In a small village in Andhra Pradesh, a 25-year-old boy named M Murali Naik once dreamed of wearing the olive green uniform. He wasn't born into privilege. His parents, daily wage laborers, worked tirelessly to provide for their children, teaching them the values of honesty, hard work, and dignity. From a very young age, Murali knew he wanted to do something meaningful—not just for himself, but for his family, his village, and his country.
Joining the Indian Army was not just a career choice for Murali—it was a calling. In 2022, his dream turned into reality. He proudly became a soldier. That moment, he wasn't just Murali anymore. He was a protector, a warrior, a symbol of courage.
The Last Goodbye That No One Knew
In January, Murali came home for a short 15-day leave. He laughed with his friends, shared meals with his family, and hugged his parents a little longer. At that time, no one knew it would be the last time they'd see him alive. To his family, he was still their cheerful, kind-hearted boy. But to the world, he had quietly become a man willing to lay down his life for his nation.
Murali’s heart was always divided—part of it belonged to the uniform, and the other to his aging parents. Even when posted at the tense Line of Control (LoC), he would call home regularly, checking if his parents were eating on time, if they were healthy, if the village was safe. His final phone call came just a day before tragedy struck. That time, his voice carried a strange heaviness. He spoke less, but cared more. “Take care,” he said again and again.
A Life Cut Short by Conflict
On May 9th, Murali was at his post along the border when shelling from the other side erupted. Chaos, dust, and danger filled the air. Amidst that, Murali was hit. His brothers in arms tried everything to save him, but time was not on their side. By the time the sun rose again, India had lost another braveheart. And a family had lost their son.
When the news reached Somandepalli village, it shattered the air like thunder. His father stood still, unable to speak. His mother wept silently, as if the grief was too deep for tears. Their son, who had always promised to return, had come home draped in the tricolor.
A Whole Village Weeps
People from nearby towns poured into Murali’s home. Some knew him, others came just to show respect. The house was filled with grief, pride, and an eerie silence. No one had expected this. Murali was so young, so full of life. And now, all that remained were his memories, his uniform, and the promise that he made—one that he fulfilled with his life.
Children looked up at his photograph, wondering how someone so ordinary could become so extraordinary. Elders bowed their heads in silence, remembering the little boy who had once run barefoot through the village fields.
Beyond Borders, Beyond Politics
Murali’s story is not just a military tragedy. It is the story of every soldier who signs up for the unknown, who hugs his family goodbye without knowing if he’ll return. It is the story of courage that’s born not out of hatred, but out of love—for the country, for peace, and for protecting the people back home.
He was not fighting for war. He was standing guard so that others could live without fear. And that’s what makes his sacrifice sacred.
A Son, A Hero
For his parents, Murali was their world. For his village, he was their pride. For his country, he was a guardian. Though he is gone, his spirit remains—etched into the hearts of everyone he touched. His story reminds us of the silent sacrifices that happen far from the headlines, the ones that don’t always make the evening news but live forever in the memory of a nation.
Let Us Remember
As we go on with our lives—worrying about work, school, or everyday stress—let’s take a moment to remember Murali and thousands like him. They gave up their tomorrows so we could have our todays. The least we can do is not forget.
Murali Naik wasn’t just a soldier. He was someone’s son, someone’s friend, someone’s heartbeat. And now, he is India’s hero.
Rest in peace, Murali. You stood tall even when the world turned dark. You will never be forgotten.
