Would die with brass in my chest: Wife of MARTYR Anshuman Singh recalls his patriotism, love for India

Smriti Singh, widow of Captain Anshuman Singh, stood with folded hands before President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Beside her was Captain Singh's mother, sharing in the profound grief of their loss. They were there to accept the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award, posthumously awarded to Captain Singh for his bravery during a fire incident in Siachen.

"He would tell me, 'I would die with the brass on my chest. I would not die an ordinary death,'" Smriti Singh recalled. Her husband’s words now resonate as a testament to his courage and dedication.

Smriti and Anshuman Singh's love story began on the first day of college. "I don't want to be dramatic, but it was love at first sight," she said. Soon after meeting, Anshuman was selected into the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). Their love endured a long-distance relationship for eight years. They married, but just two months later, he was posted to Siachen.

This is heartbreaking. 😢💔
She is Smriti Singh, wife of Kirti Chakra (posthumous) awardee Captain Anshuman Singh. She lost the love of her life with whom she dreamed of spending her life. They were recently married after an 8-year relationship. pic.twitter.com/ehAttXx6M1

— Abhishek (@AbhishekSay) July 6, 2024

Tragic Incident

Captain Singh, serving with 26 Punjab as a medical officer in the Siachen Glacier area, faced a devastating fire on July 19, 2023. A short circuit triggered the blaze in an Indian Army ammunition dump around 3 am. Captain Singh saw a fibreglass hut engulfed in flames and rushed to save those trapped inside, rescuing four to five individuals. However, the fire spread to a nearby medical investigation room. Despite his efforts, Captain Singh was trapped and ultimately lost his life.

Devastating Loss

"On July 18, we had a long conversation about how our life would be in the next 50 years. On 19th morning, I got a call that he is no more," Smriti Singh recounted. "For the next 7-8 hours, we were not ready to accept that anything of such sort has happened."

Honouring a Hero

Smriti Singh expressed mixed emotions as she held the Kirti Chakra. "Now that I have the Kirti Chakra in my hand, maybe it is true. But it's okay, he's a hero. We can manage a little of our lives. He has given all his life to save other families, his army family," she said.

Captain Anshuman Singh was cremated with full state honours in Bhagalpur, in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district, on July 22, 2023. His legacy of bravery and sacrifice continues to inspire, as his family and nation remember him as a true hero.