Soldier's memorial in Arunachal inspires people of Haveri village

HUBBALLI: Residents of Mugali of Shiggaon taluk in Haveri district are now proud that a memorial for late soldier Chandru Davagi has come up in Arunachal Pradesh.
Lance Naik Chandru Davagi, 34, who was born and brought up in Mugali, lost his life last February. According to a letter submitted to Dirang Police Station in West Kameng District, Davagi fell down from the back side of convoy vehicle which was proceeding to Tenga, at Munna Camp. As per norms, the 10 Madras Regiment, to which Davagi was a part of, has constructed a memorial in his memory at the spot where he died.

Now, Davagi's parents, wife, daughters and other family members are eagerly waiting to visit the memorial to offer their respects. Davagi's mother Basavannevva and father Basappa said their son sacrificed his life while safeguarding the nation. "We are proud that the memorial has been built by the Army in Arunchal Pradesh to motivate other soldiers and citizens. We miss him a lot. We feel the memorial will remain as an inspiration for today's youths to join the Army,"they said.

Davagi's wife Chandru said, "I am proud to his wife. Though I lived with him for 10 years, I have memories that can last for centuries. Inspired by his bravery and patriotism, I am committed to make my daughters Swati and Spoorthy join the army or become family members of army officers. My husband always dreamt of seeing both his daughters as members of the Indian Army."

She informed that army officers have assured to taking Davagi's family members to the memorial soon.

Gulappa Aralikatti, a close friend of Davafi who studied with him from pre-primary to PUC said, "When we were in B A, he joined the Army and later helped me pursue MA. He was adventurous and brave since childhood and was a Scout in school. Now he has become a role model for youths of our village as well as neighboring villages."

Naik Subedar Papireddy, who is a senior colleague of Davagi in Arnunachal Pradesh said, "Chandru was a dedicated soldier. His honesty, friendly nature, generosity are most memorable things for us. We remember him daily while passing by the memorial."

V S Bhadrashetti, a high school teacher who taught Davagi, said the latter was a disciplined and silent boy. "We are proud that our student has become an inspiration and a role model for others through this memorial. As the Army has constructed a memorial in Arunachal Pradesh, our villagers are also requesting the district administration to build a memorial in the village," he added.