KARNAL, May 4:— Grief ran deep at Dr Mangalsen Auditorium on Saturday as hundreds of mourners paid their final respects to Lt Vinay Narwal, the naval officer killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Friends, relatives, and members of the public joined the officer’s family at a solemn prayer meeting, where the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Among those in attendance were Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, and local MLA Jagmohan Anand.
“Vinay’s loss is not just that of his family; it is a loss for the entire country,” said a family friend, speaking to reporters outside the auditorium.
The most stirring moment of the ceremony came when Narwal’s sister, Srishti, stepped forward to share stories from his childhood.
Her voice steady but eyes tearful, she spoke of a brother who had always been brave, kind, and deeply committed to serving the nation.
“He dreamed of wearing the uniform since he was a boy,” she said. “And he lived every moment of that dream with courage.”
Many in the audience were visibly moved, wiping away tears as she spoke. The emotions in the hall were palpable, especially as Narwal’s widow, Himanshi, stood beside the casket in silent salute.
Dressed in white, she remained composed, a figure of quiet resilience as she supported other grieving family members.
Lt Narwal’s sacrifice has drawn condolences from across the country, with several dignitaries acknowledging the young officer’s courage and dedication.
“He died in service, but he lives on in our hearts,” said a local resident. “People like him are the reason we sleep in peace.”
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