He Gave His Life for India, She Marches for Its Future: Sakshi Bohra at Republic Day Parade
In a poignant display of familial legacy and national pride, Sakshi Bohra, daughter of the late Havildar Bahadur Singh Bohra, is set to participate in the 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, as part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Senior Wing contingent. This event, held along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, underscores the enduring commitment of military families to India's defense and sovereignty. Sakshi's involvement not only commemorates her father's heroic actions but also inspires a new generation to embrace service to the nation.
The Heroic Sacrifice of Havildar Bahadur Singh Bohra
Havildar Bahadur Singh Bohra was born on July 6, 1978, in Tharkot village, located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. He joined the Indian Army on December 17, 1996, at the age of 18, and was assigned to the 10th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). His service exemplified the regiment's motto, "Nischey Kar Apni Jeet Karon" (With determination, I will be triumphant), a principle he upheld until his final moments.
On September 25, 2008, during a counter-insurgency operation in the Lawanz forest area near Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, Havildar Bohra led a search team that encountered a group of heavily armed terrorists. At approximately 1815 hours, he engaged the militants in close-quarters combat, eliminating two at point-blank range despite sustaining severe gunshot wounds to his chest and neck. His sustained fire prevented the terrorists' escape, enabling his team to neutralize a third assailant. Tragically, Havildar Bohra succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter, at the age of 30.
For his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, Havildar Bohra was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. His name is eternally inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, a site where Sakshi has been photographed paying tribute, symbolizing the personal cost of national security. He is survived by his wife, Smt. Shanti Bohra, and daughter, Sakshi, who was approximately five years old at the time of his martyrdom.
Sakshi Bohra: Carrying Forward the Torch of Patriotism
Now in her early twenties, Sakshi Bohra has channeled her father's legacy into active participation in national service through the NCC. Her selection for the Republic Day Parade represents a significant milestone, highlighting her dedication amid profound personal loss. As a member of the NCC Senior Wing contingent, she will march in formation, embodying the discipline and resolve instilled by her upbringing in a military family.
This narrative has resonated widely across social media and news platforms, emphasizing the sacrifices endured by armed forces personnel and their kin. It serves as a reminder of the intergenerational impact of valor, encouraging youth to engage in defense-oriented initiatives such as the NCC, which fosters leadership, patriotism, and physical fitness.
A Symbol of Resilience and National Unity
Sakshi Bohra's participation in the Republic Day Parade transcends individual achievement; it reflects the broader ethos of India's military heritage. Events like this parade, attended by dignitaries and broadcast nationwide, reinforce national unity and honor those who have defended the country's borders. As India commemorates its 77th Republic Day, stories such as this remind citizens of the human element behind the uniform—the families who bear the weight of sacrifice while perpetuating a tradition of service.
In honoring her father's memory, Sakshi Bohra exemplifies resilience and commitment, ensuring that the legacy of Havildar Bahadur Singh Bohra continues to inspire future generations.
