The country mourned the loss of a valiant soldier, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Mrs Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other personnel who died in an unfortunate helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, reported The Indian Express.
Lt Gen JS Nain GOC-IN-C and all ranks #SouthernCommand pay heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat #CDS, Mrs Madhulika Rawat & 11 other personnel on board the unfortunate air crash. He will always be remembered for his inspiring leadership and vision. pic.twitter.com/e1znZMZZ26
— Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) December 9, 2021
As the ambulances carrying the mortal remains of CDS Bipin Rawat and others left for Sulur airbase from Madras Regimental Centre, locals in Tamil Nadu showered flower petals on them while chanting, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Locals shower flower petals as ambulances carrying the mortal remains of CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel who died in the Coonoor Helicopter Crash, leave for Sulur airbase from Madras Regimental Centre in Nilgiris district pic.twitter.com/dWhw9kG3l9
— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2021
Some were also seen bidding the brave hearts a teary goodbye.
This is the love for our Armed forces and its CDS! pic.twitter.com/tskUxiBPmF
— हम भारत के लोग (@India_Policy) December 9, 2021
Army veteran Brigadier R S Pathania also tweeted grieving the loss of CDS Rawat. And among the many people who extended their condolences on his tweet, there was one special one that’s making us believe in humanity.
Salute you sir. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/LawnhgcO6Y
— Brig R S Pathania, Veteran. 🇮🇳 (@rspathania) December 8, 2021
A former Major of the Pakistan Army, Major Adil Raja extended his heartfelt condolences.
Sir please accept my heartfelt condolences.
— Major Adil Raja (R) (@soldierspeaks) December 8, 2021
When the Brigadier responded saying, ‘That’s what is expected from a soldier’, Major Raja went on to quote a Punjabi saying that summarises, “Don’t celebrate the deaths of your enemies as someday friends would also die.”
Off-course sir, it's the decent thing to do as a soldier.
Again, sorry for your loss sir.In our Punjabi folklore they say, "dushman maray te khushian na manawoo, kadday sajna v mar jaana"
Means: "Don't celebrate the deaths of your enemies as some day friends would also die".
— Major Adil Raja (R) (@soldierspeaks) December 8, 2021
To this, Brig Pathania replied, “We are enemies on the battlefield. Off that, let’s be civil to each other if we cannot be friends.” And like a sensible soldier, Major Raja agreed to his statement saying, “Peace is the only logical way forward.”
Couldn't agree more sir.#Peace is the only logical way forward.
Stay blessed and happy sir.
— Major Adil Raja (R) (@soldierspeaks) December 8, 2021
Pakistan, Russia, Japan, the US, and other nations also shared condolences on the death of CDS General Bipin Rawat and others.
General Nadeem Raza, CJCSC & General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 8, 2021
Russia has lost a very close friend, who played a big role in promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander! https://t.co/ywpXHHYYJC
— Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) December 8, 2021
Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, his wife and 11 Armed Forces personnel in an unfortunate accident at Sulur, Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the people killed in the accident.
— Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) December 8, 2021
Their conversation just gave me goosebumps. Peace is definitely the way forward because only those who lose their friends and families on the battlefield know how big a sacrifice that is.
Salute to all the soldiers. The world owes you a lot.