Doctor couple celebrates Deepavali by honouring soldiers

Haveri: ‘Jab Desh Mein Thi Diwali; Wo Khel Rahe The Holi' are the lines from the famous patriotic song ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon' penned by Kavi Pradeep. These lines inspired the Dr Hiremath couple in Kusanur village of Hanagal taluk to celebrate Deepavali by worshipping the portrait of martyr Hanumantappa Koppad. Additionally, they felicitated four soldiers living around them and applauded their services to the nation. They sensitised commoners on how soldiers struggle to protect the nation.Dr Sunil Hiremath told TOI that he started the tradition of celebrating ‘Social Deepavali' following the sacrifice of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad in 2016. "It is very difficult to hold one's breath even for five minutes, but Koppad held it for six days at 35 feet beneath the snow. Since 2016 Deepavali, we have been paying tribute to his portrait and felicitate soldiers every year. Such celebrations were interrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic following the govt's norms. Every year, 5-6 working or retired soldiers come and share their experiences of working in the army or at the border," he shared.Dr Umadevi Hiremath said that they feel youths will be motivated to serve the country after listening to soldiers' experiences. "We invite working defence personnel from our surrounding villages and taluks. This year, we invited four soldiers—Annappa Havannavar, Chadru Ramapur, Guddappa Kabbur, and Fakiresh Mmbiger—along with Manohar Gondi, who has been donating blood even at the age of 62," she stated.Havannavar, who is currently serving in Kashmir, shared that it is a rare occasion, as countrymen hardly remember soldiers on occasions like Deepavali. "It is a symbolic honour to all soldiers initiated by this couple," he said.Vishwanath Hiremath, a senior KAS official who attended this Social Deepavali, commented that it is a model ceremony. "It is a custom that soldiers are remembered only during national festivals or war situations. The Hiremath couple is giving a message that one should remember soldiers even when there is peace," he commented.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.