India-China border tension: Martyr Palani had spent more than half of his life serving Army

RAMANATHAPURAM: Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu sank in grief over the martyrdom of soldier Palani, 40, who was among the three Indian Army personnel killed in a standoff with China in the disputed region of Ladakh on Monday night.
“We don’t know if he was shot or stoned to death but are proud of his martyrdom amidst deep grief over his loss,” said A Anand, his relative.
Palani, who joined the Army when he was 18 years old, had served the nation for 22 years. He joined the Army in 1998.
Palani is the eldest of three children of Kalimuthu and Logambal who are farmhands in Kadukalur village in Thiruvadanai taluk near Thondi. His brother Idhayakani, 25, is a clerk in the Army in Rajasthan.
Palani’s wife, Vanathidevi, 33, is a clerk at a private college. Their son Prasanna, 10, and daughter, Divya, are classes VI and III students.
Palani last came home on leave for 15 days six months ago. He spoke with his family over the phone once in a few days. He last spoke before the weekend.
Around 9am on Tuesday, Idhayakani shared the message of his brother’s martyrdom with the family over the phone. His mortal remains are expected to reach Delhi on Wednesday morning and his native village the same night or Thursday morning.
Family and friends remember him as a soft-spoken man who was always ready to help them. He had encouraged youth in the village to join the armed forces and helped them apply.