Palamu. Although you may have seen and heard many tales and stories of friendship and sacrifice, there is one such story which presents an example of friendship, courage and supreme sacrifice. We are talking about a young officer who, without a second thought, put himself in danger to save the lives of his colleagues. This saga of Lieutenant Anurag Shukla is not just the story of a martyr, but an unmatched example of humanity and selfless dedication.
During training, when three of his friends got trapped in a deep ditch and started drowning, Anurag jumped without caring for his safety. Saved his companions, but could not return himself. His immortal sacrifice is such an example of friendship that Singra village will remember for years.
Like every year, this year too there will be celebration
Actually, a special moment full of emotions will be celebrated today in Singra Khurd village of Medininagar. Like every year, this year too the 30th birthday of martyr Lieutenant Anurag Shukla will be celebrated with pomp. This program is scheduled on Wednesday, December 03, 2025 at 7 pm at the Martyr Memorial site.
This respect of the village and family towards the son not only remembers his bravery, but also immortalizes a unique story of sacrifice and friendship – a story in which a young man jumped without a second thought to save his comrades.
From happiness to screams – that evening of 19 April 2019
The day of 19 April 2019 will always remain a painful memory for Singra village. That day, the Chhathi of the newborn girl was being celebrated at home, the soft sound of songs and music was adding sweetness to the atmosphere. Then a phone call changed everything. In a moment, happiness was replaced by mourning. The village’s promising 22 year old Lieutenant Anurag Shukla was martyred during training. The young man who had become an officer in the army just a few months ago, returned wrapped in the tricolor.
Only 4 months of service, but the biggest sacrifice of life
After joining the Army as a Lieutenant in December 2018, Anurag was on training for Operation Jaffran in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. No one knew that this training would become his last mission. On April 19, three of his companions got trapped in a deep ditch at a training ground in Ganganagar and started drowning.
Without caring for his life, Anurag jumped and threw all three out. But he himself could not come out due to fatigue and depth. Hours later, when Diggy was evacuated from the JCB, he was found unconscious and breathed his last on reaching the hospital.
Family waiting for respect – land and promises unfulfilled
Even after six years of martyrdom, Anurag did not get the national title like Kirti Chakra. His father Jitendra Shukla said that many governments made promises, but not a single one was fulfilled. The family neither got a house nor land for farming. He says that if the government gives the land, he will build a school in Anurag’s name and provide good education to the children of the village.
Childhood dream – ‘To serve the country’
Anurag dreamed of joining the army since childhood. He always said among friends and family that he wanted to do something big for the country. His dream came true, but within four months his heroic story became immortal. The village still celebrates “Shaurya Diwas” every 19th April, so that future generations can remember their courage and sacrifice.
