As reported by Onmanoroma:
Corporal Varun Kumar (32), a native of Punnapra in Alappuzha, has been conferred the Vayu Sena Medal for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. The recognition was announced on the eve of Independence Day by the President of India.
Varun, who served as an assistant at the Medicare Centre of the Udhampur Air Force Station in Jammu, was gravely injured during a Pakistani air raid on May 10. In the attack, he lost his right hand and sustained multiple shrapnel injuries. Despite his condition, his commitment to duty and resilience have drawn widespread admiration within the Indian Air Force.
His wife Anju, a native of Pilathara in Kannur, recalled the ordeal. “I was devastated. But Varun adjusted to everything with remarkable strength. His courage gave me courage,” she said. Anju, along with their young son Vihan, was evacuated immediately after the attack but later returned to Udhampur to be by his side.
After 35 days of treatment in hospital, Varun was moved to the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune on August 2. Last week, he was fitted with a prosthetic hand. “Holding his new hand fills me with pride. It may not be the same, but it represents his sacrifice for the country,” Anju said.
Also Read: Air Force Chief Visits Artificial Limb Centre, Meets Operation Sindoor Hero
Air Force officials confirmed that Varun is expected to be reinstated soon after completing his rehabilitation. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh personally visited him at the Pune centre, commending his service and spirit.
Despite carrying fragments of shrapnel still embedded in his body, Varun remains determined to return to duty, symbolising the unwavering courage of India’s air warriors.
