Madurai: Pavithiran (24) from Muthunagayapuram village near Madurai is waiting eagerly to join the Indian Army in Madhya Pradesh on May 19. On Monday night he was devastated by the news of the death of his elder brother Alagupandi (29) who was one among 25 CRPF personnel killed in a Maoist ambush in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh. The tragic death in the family has not diminished the patriotism and the urge to serve the nation in Pavithiran, who is going ahead with joining the technical wing of the Indian Army. "My younger son will go as per the plan though my elder son's death is a great lose to us," said the father, Pichaiazhagu (59), who broke down while speaking to this reporter.
Pichaiazhagu had retired from the army after serving as a gunner for nearly 19 years. He feels proud that Alagupandi has laid down his life for the country. He said that though both his sons studied engineering, they joined the army to serve the nation. Pichaizhagu's elder daughter Sathiya's husband Murugan is also serving in the army and his younger daughter Nithya's husband Mariswamy is working in the police department. "I will serve the nation like my brother," said Pavithiran.
Alagupandi had last spoken to his father over phone three days ago and assured he would visit his native place soon to give his nod for the girl his family had chosen for him as bride. "He was very enthusiastic to meet the girl we had chosen for him," said relatives who had gathered at his house to express their condolence. In fact, everyone in the family was excited about his wedding. "The news was a shock to the entire family," the relatives added.
Alagupandi's mother Rakkamal (55) was inconsolable. Ever since she learned about his death through television, she was crying continuously and a group of women from the village also joined her in the house. The entire village is mourning over his death. "We are making arrangements to bury his body in our land," said Pichaiazhagu.
His body was brought to Madurai by flight in the evening hours. Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan ,the revenue Minister RP Udayakumar, district collector Veera Raghava Rao and Superintendent of Police Vijayendra S Bidari placed wreaths on the body in the airport before it was taken to his village. Later in the evening, Alagupandi body was laid to rest with full military honours.
