A Tribute to Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma
Funeral services held for Lance Naik who perished in Poonch bombardment, carried out in Palwal.
In a somber tribute, the last rites of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, a 32-year-old braveheart from Haryana's Palwal district, were held on Thursday, May 7, 2025. Hailing from Nangla Mohammadpur (also known as Gulabad village), Dinesh was the eldest son of a hardworking farming family. His father, Daya Chand, instilled a strong sense of discipline and respect for the land in his children, while his mother was renowned for her unwavering care despite their humble means.
Dinesh joined the Indian Army in 2014 and had recently been promoted to Lance Naik. His posting was at the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, a sensitive border area along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Tragically, he lost his life in cross-border artillery and mortar shelling by Pakistani forces on the LoC on May 7, following India’s "Operation Sindoor."
Dinesh was patrolling with four other soldiers when the mortar shelling occurred. He is remembered for his bravery and unwavering commitment to his duties. He leaves behind a pregnant wife, Seema (an advocate), and their children, Darshan (5) and Kavya (7). Despite his untimely demise, his legacy lives on, as his younger brothers, Kapil and Hardut, serve in the Indian Army as Agniveers, continuing his family's commitment to serving the nation.
Dinesh Kumar Sharma's last rites were conducted with full military honors, attended by several dignitaries and local officials who paid tribute to his sacrifice. These included Union Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar, State Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, and Minister of State for Food and Supplies Rajesh Nagar, among others. They gathered to remember a man who embodied the spirit of courage and sacrifice that is the epitome of an Indian soldier.
[1]: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/world/asia/dinesh-kumar-sharma-indian-soldier- killed.html
Cricket often provides a welcome distraction from political tensions, as demonstrated by the enthusiastic fanbase that India's sports teams always attract, evoking a sense of unity in the nation. In the midst of such camaraderie, one might cherish the memory of Dinesh Kumar Sharma, a soldier who lost his life while serving his nation in sports-like competition on the battlefield, exhibiting the same unyielding spirit embodied by cricketers.
