Nyorah Patra's journey to meet the soldiers fulfilled

Hyderabad: At an age when a child wants to play with dolls and friends, seven-year-old Nyorah PatraNyorah Patra decided to spend her time with the soldiers of the Indian Army. Her parents, Samir Patra and Varsha Patra, say that Nyorah decided on this after she was inspired by the mighty display of strength of the Armed Forces while watching the Republic Day Parade in 2020. This coupled with the stories of sacrifice by the soldiers that her parents narrated to her further strengthened her resolve to meet the jawans in person and know about their lives.

A soldier's life inspires many and Nyorah is no different. Her father remembers how awestruck she was by the grandeur of the exhibition of the Armed Forces during the parade. He remembers showing her videos on YouTube about the tough conditions under which soldiers discharge their duties. Inspired by their selfless contribution to the country, Nyorah had expressed the desire to see herself donning the Army's uniform one day as seen in the videos.

Soon after the parade, Nyorah began to ask her parents to take her to meet the soldiers. Like her mother, she also paints and she began to paint more about the Army and the soldiers. Encouraging her enthusiasm, her parents wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a special visit for their daughter to any Army establishment or help by extending an invitation to attend either the Independence Day or the Republic Day celebrations. To their surprise, they were contacted by the PMO that stated that a special arrangement will be made in Hyderabad for Nyorah to visit the Army establishment. This put Nyorah on cloud nine and she began to make preparations for the big day.

A few days later, an Indian Artillery establishment from Golconda, Hyderabad, extended an invitation to Nyorah to visit their base. During the trip, Nyorah was wonderstruck seeing the Army personnel for the first time in person and the visit left a mark on her heart and mind. It was later revealed that she would be one of the guests attending the Army Day and Army Veteran's Day celebrations.

She was escorted by an officer of Colonel rank and two soldiers from her home and was taken to Veerula Sainik Smarak, the war memorial in Secundrabad where Major General R.K. Singh, general officer commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub area, and the veterans, graciously received her with a warm welcome. She, in her own small way, thanked them for teaching her so many new things about the security forces that guard the country. She went back home happy, treasuring the many selfies she took with the Army personnel at the celebrations.

The parents were thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Nyorah was given which will leave a strong impression in Nyorah's heart and mind about the country. They sincerely hope that she grows up to see herself as a part of the Armed Forces.