Viral video misleading, not of brother, wife: Lt Narwal’s sister
A day after the cremation of Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, who was killed in a terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir on Tuesday, his family opened up about his aspirations and courage, as well as the pain caused by misleading videos on social media related to Narwal and his wife Himanshi.
Amid the tragedy, the family’s strength stands as a testament to the spirit of those who send their sons and daughters to serve the nation.
Responding to a viral video claiming that Narwal and Himanshi were dancing at Pahalgam, minutes before the attack, his sister, Srishti, clarified that it was not their video.
“Please confirm such things with the family before posting or airing them. Vinay was everything to me, and will remain so. I request everyone not to circulate false information,” she said.
She also appealed to people to give her brother honour, saying that, “It is my humble request and wish that my brother should be given the highest honour he truly deserves.”
His father, Rajesh Narwal, spoke about his son’s ambitions, recalling how he had dreamed of serving the nation since childhood. “Vinay was a brilliant student, a dashing officer, and a gem of a son. Even though he completed engineering, he refused to take up a private job. He was determined to wear the uniform, and he did,” he said.
Vinay initially aspired to become a fighter pilot, but his height became a hurdle. “He tried twice to become a fighter pilot, but could not qualify due to the height requirement. He did not give up and chose the Navy and cleared it in his first attempt,” he said with pride, and pain.
Fighting his emotions, Rajesh said, “The government is doing its job, and I believe they will continue to do what is necessary. This is a national tragedy, and the entire country is standing with us. Only those who suffer such a loss truly understand the pain.”
He acknowledged the swift response of the Jammu and Kashmir administration when he reached Pahalgam to bring his son’s mortal remains. “Everyone, from local officials to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acted promptly. The PM even cut short his foreign visit. The government is handling everything with gravity.”
Refraining from commenting on Pakistan or any possible retaliation, he said, “That is a matter for my country and my government. I have full faith that they will do what is right.”
Reflecting on how quickly the situation changed from celebration to mourning, he said, “Time is powerful. Just two days ago, the tent from the celebrations had not even been fully removed, and now this deep sorrow has fallen upon us. This grief is not mine alone—the entire nation stands with me. But for me and my family, this is an irreparable loss. Only God can give us the strength to endure it.”
Haryana Tribune