Tribute to Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari: A Hero's Final Journey

Final Farewell to a Brave Soldier

Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, who tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue a fellow soldier from a mountain river in North Sikkim, will be laid to rest on Saturday, as confirmed by officials.

His mortal remains were transported from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri on Friday afternoon and arrived in Ayodhya later that evening. A special military aircraft facilitated the transfer to the Faizabad military hospital, where he will be kept overnight.

Local authorities have announced that his cremation will take place at Jamthara Ghat with full state honors on Saturday. Lieutenant Shashank, aged 23, was the only son in his family, residing in Gaddopur, Ayodhya.

After passing the NDA entrance exam in 2019, he joined the Indian Army last year and had just begun his service with his first posting in Sikkim.

According to Ayodhya's city magistrate, Rajesh Mishra, Shashank's father, Jung Bahadur Tiwari, works in the merchant navy and is currently stationed in the United States. He is expected to arrive in Ayodhya by Saturday morning.

Officials provided details regarding the circumstances of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari's death, stating that during a routine patrol on Thursday, a soldier slipped into the fast-flowing river. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Shashank jumped in to save him. He successfully rescued the soldier but was swept away by the strong current and could not be saved.

Shashank's uncle, Rajesh Dubey, remarked, 'He was always bright in his studies and had a strong desire to serve the country from a young age.' Before joining the NDA, Shashank completed his early education at a school in Faizabad.

On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Hanumangarhi for prayers and inaugurated the newly constructed Hanumat Katha Mandapam, which can accommodate 5,000 people.

During his visit, the Chief Minister honored Shashank's bravery and sacrifice, announcing plans to erect a memorial in Ayodhya in his memory. The state government has also approved financial assistance of ₹50 lakh for the soldier's family.