Havildar Ravi Paul Salhotra might have been martyred in Uri terror attack, but his sacrifice has been unable to deter his 10-year-old son’s resolve to serve the nation.

Havildar Ravi Paul Salotra of 10 Dogra Regiment was one of the 18 brave soldiers who lost their lives while fighting the four terrorists in URI attack. He had served the army for 23 years.

Ravi Paul had called his family a day before and spoke to his sons at length. That was the last time they heard his voice. A day later, he would lay down his life in service to the nation.

I will become Army doctor to fulfil father’s dream, says Uri martyr’s 10-year-old son

Vansh Salotra, a 10-year-old son of Havildar Ravi Paul Salotra, is aware that his father was martyred in Uri terror attack . But that has only strengthened his resolve to don the olive greens to serve the nation and avenge the killing.

A veteran with 23 years of service under his belt, 42-year-old Ravi Paul is survived by his wife Geeta Rani, another son Sudansheesh (7) and an 80-year- old mother.

Because of Ravi Paul’s death, a pall of gloom has descended on his native Sarwa village in Ramgarh sub-sector of Samba district.

“My father used to call early in the morning. Yesterday he called us and we spoke in length on various issues. He asked me to concentrate on my studies so that I could fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor in the Indian Army”, said Vansh, a class 6th student.

When asked whether he was aware of what tragedy has befallen on the family, Vansh, carrying two plastic tricolours, said his father laid down his life for the sanctity of the national flag.

“Yes I know that my father laid down his life for this tricolour and I will fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor in the Army so as to avenge the killing of my father, he said.

Ravi Paul’s two brothers have also served in the Army.

Tears in eyes, pride in hearts! As the proud Indians, we wish and pray for a bright future for the Late Havildar Ravi Paul ’s children.

Jai Hind