Corporal Varun Kumar of Kerala Awarded Vayu Sena Medal After Injury in Operation Sindoor
Corporal Varun Kumar, aged 32 and a resident of Punnapra in Alappuzha, has been honored with the Vayu Sena Medal in recognition of his remarkable bravery and sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. The announcement was made by the President of India on the eve of Independence Day.
Varun, who served as an assistant at the Medicare Centre of the Udhampur Air Force Station in Jammu, sustained severe injuries during a Pakistani air raid on May 10. He lost his right hand and suffered multiple shrapnel injuries. Despite these grave injuries, his dedication and resilience have earned him widespread respect within the Indian Air Force.
Anju, his wife, who hails from Pilathara in Kannur, recounted the traumatic experience. "I was devastated. But Varun adjusted to everything with remarkable strength. His courage gave me courage," she stated. Anju, along with their young son Vihan, was evacuated immediately following the attack but later returned to Udhampur to support her husband.
After spending 35 days in the hospital, Varun was transferred to the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune on August 2. Recently, he was fitted with a prosthetic hand. "Holding his new hand fills me with pride. It may not be the same, but it represents his sacrifice for the country," Anju expressed.
Officials from the Air Force have indicated that Varun is likely to be reinstated after completing his rehabilitation. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh paid him a personal visit at the Pune centre, praising his dedication and spirit.
Despite the shrapnel that remains embedded in his body, Varun is resolute in his desire to return to duty, embodying the indomitable spirit of India's air warriors.
