India has witnessed many courageous moments, but there are few as inspiring to memory as those of Constable Kamlesh Kumari Yadav in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. She was the first constable to die in that incident, and what she did saved lives as well as spared many of those around her. Her story is one of stewardship, sacrifice, and extraordinary courage, one that bears witness to the cost those who safeguard the country pay.
On December 13, 2001, terrorists tried to storm New Delhi's Parliament. The plan was to cause significant destruction and death of people. Suspicious movement was spotted immediately by Constable Kamlesh Kumari Yadav, who was stationed at the Parliament complex in New Delhi. She tried to stop them and sprinted to the car of the attackers. In doing so, she was shot several times. 11 to 12 bullets hit her stomach, according to reports. While the injuries were mortal, her quick maneuver distracted the terrorists and alerted other security personnel. This averted a huge bomb explosion and gave her colleagues time to respond.
Her sacrifice was not lost on a team. She received the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, in recognition of what was an unprecedented feat at the time. Kamlesh Kumari Yadav who received the accolade in the first place, which made her become the foremost hero in history, symbol of courage and perseverance. The award honours her gallantry, but also the indomitable spirit of selflessness, the essence of real service to a nation.
Every December 13, an Indian National Day, India commemorates the martyrs of the Parliament attack. And every year on December 13, India remembers the martyrs of the Parliament siege. Kamlesh Kumari Yadav's name is forever said in respect and thankfulness. It's also true for CRPF Day she is commemorated. She was one of the Central Reserve Police Force, and therefore her story, which we will not forget, shows that the actions of a single person can turn everything around.
Kumari Yadav is the extraordinary bravery that keeps India's democracy safe. By sounding a warning, being prepared to act on an attack before it even began, she saved many lives and staved off a crushing attack. She holds a prize: the Ashoka Chakra. This is a symbol of her heroism -- her name lives on in the country's national memory. India salutes her courage, and she will continue to serve as a model in duty and sacrifice.
