The final farewell to 37-year-old pilot and ex-Army officer Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Rajveer Singh Chauhan was marked by emotion and military honor as his wife, Lt Col Deepika Chauhan, herself an officer in the Indian Army, led the last rites in full uniform on Tuesday in Jaipur. Holding her husband's photo close and with tearful eyes, she stood tall amidst the tragedy, bidding her husband a dignified and heartbreaking goodbye.

Rajveer lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash near Kedarnath on Sunday, which claimed the lives of all seven people onboard. A decorated Army veteran with over 15 years of service and significant flying experience, Rajveer had joined Aryan Aviation Private Limited in October last year.

The couple had recently stepped into parenthood, with Lt Col Deepika giving birth to twins just four months ago. Despite the overwhelming grief, she stood resolute at his funeral, a symbol of courage and commitment.

Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, present at the last rites, praised Rajveer’s valor and Deepika's strength. “He passed away too soon. His colleagues spoke highly of him. I salute such a brave soul. Even in sorrow, the family displayed incredible strength. His mother chanted ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. This is the spirit that keeps India strong.”

The tragic crash near Kedarnath involved a private helicopter on a pilgrimage mission. Rajveer, the pilot, was at the helm. His dedication to duty both in the military and civil aviation was remembered with deep respect across the nation.

Condolences poured in from Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and former CM Ashok Gehlot, all expressing sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families.

Rajveer’s father, Govind Singh, shared the painful moment of hearing the news: “We were informed by one of his colleagues. He had just started this new chapter last year.”

As Lt Col Deepika Chauhan stood in salute beside her husband's coffin, she not only honored her late husband’s sacrifice but also embodied the silent strength of India’s military families—those who serve and those who silently endure.