Lance Naik Manoj Phogat, just 34 years old, gave his life for the country while serving on the volatile Punjab border in May 2025. The photograph of this young soldier, smiling in uniform, now stands as a symbol of pride and grief for an entire nation.

On the morning of May 15, 2025, Phogat was fatally shot while on duty at the Kapurthala Army cantonment in Punjab. The incident took place only a few days after he had returned to service from a short leave on May 4, a leave likely spent with his wife, children, and aging mother. There was no detailed information in official reports regarding the specific nature of the shooting. However, it has been officially confirmed by the Indian Army that he was “martyred” in the line of duty while guarding the border. This tragic incident occurred at a time when there were heightened tensions along the India–Pakistan border, a reminder that even routine postings for soldiers can come with life-threatening risks.

A Soldier’s Devotion: His Military Journey

Lance Naik Phogat’s military journey began in 2011, the year he joined the Indian Army. Over the next 14 years, he served the country with unwavering commitment. He was part of The Grenadiers regiment, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most gallant infantry units, widely respected for its legacy of bravery. Hailing from the state of Haryana, Phogat grew up with a dream to wear the uniform. His dedication and hard work helped him achieve that dream.

Over the years, Phogat became known as a disciplined, reliable, and fearless soldier. His record was built through steady deployments and difficult assignments. He held the post of Lance Naik, a junior non-commissioned rank, trusted with frontline responsibilities. His last posting placed him in Punjab, a region under constant surveillance due to its proximity to a sensitive international border. As one news report noted, “He remained devoted to the nation’s service for years.” His name now joins the long list of warriors who gave their lives while serving in The Grenadiers, strengthening the regiment’s proud history of valor.

A Family’s Pillar

Phogat's story of bravery is closely tied with his story at home. Born and raised in Samaspur village in Charkhi Dadri district, Haryana, he was the only son of his parents. His father, Ranbir Singh, had passed away in 2018, after which Manoj shouldered the family responsibilities. He lived with his mother, Santosh Devi, his wife Rekha Devi, and their two children. Their elder daughter is 8 years old, and their younger son, Prince, is just 5.

Adding to the sorrow, the family had already experienced the loss of Phogat’s sister some years ago. Now, with the death of Manoj, both children of the family are gone, making the pain even more unbearable. Yet, amidst this crushing grief, the family remained strong. “My son has fulfilled the promise of my milk,” his mother said, her voice breaking yet firm, indicating that she raised her son to serve and die for the country if duty called. Rekha, his wife, echoed that she is proud of her husband’s martyrdom, even as she struggled to hold back tears. Their strength and pride in the face of such a heavy loss became a moving testament to the spirit of sacrifice that lives in the homes of India’s soldiers.

A Hero's Return

On May 17, 2025, two days after his passing, the body of Lance Naik Manoj Phogat was brought home to Samaspur with full military protocol. As the Army convoy approached the village near the toll plaza on NH-152D, a large crowd had already gathered. The entire village had come together, united in mourning and pride, to receive their braveheart.

Hundreds of people—youths on motorcycles, families in cars, villagers on foot—joined the procession, which covered the last stretch of one kilometer to his home. Flags fluttered in the hands of school children. Local men shouted slogans. Women lined the lanes with flower petals. The entire area was filled with patriotic emotion.

As the coffin passed, the village echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” and “Shaheed Amar Rahe!” Children, elders, and youth all cried, but they also stood tall in respect. Army colleagues of Phogat accompanied the body, marching with dignity. A calm but heavy silence followed as people took turns offering final salutes.

By the time the coffin reached his home, a sea of villagers had gathered—relatives, friends, neighbors, and even people from nearby districts. The emotional scenes made it clear: this was not just a son of Samaspur being laid to rest, but a son of India being honored. The village stood united to ensure that their soldier received the farewell he truly deserved.

The Final Salute: Nation Bows to Shaheed Lance Naik Manoj Phogat

On the quiet afternoon of May 17, 2025, in the heart of Samaspur village, Haryana, the nation stood still to bid farewell to a son who had offered everything for its safety. Lance Naik Manoj Phogat was cremated with full military honours, a ceremony that turned the small village into a solemn and sacred ground for patriotism.

The Indian Army conducted a formal military ceremony, strictly following protocol. Phogat’s coffin was draped in the Indian tricolor flag, and a contingent of soldiers stood in perfect formation, their eyes heavy with sorrow but unwavering in respect. What made this moment even more deeply emotional was the sight of his 5-year-old son, Prince, dressed in a miniature Army uniform, stepping forward. He saluted his fallen father and lit the funeral pyre to perform the final rites. This image of a little boy, brave beyond his years, etched itself into the hearts of every person who witnessed it. The crowd, overcome with emotion, broke into applause even as many wiped away tears.

The atmosphere was thick with grief and pride. As flames rose from the funeral pyre, the village once again erupted in slogans of honor. People chanted and saluted the martyr, reaffirming that his sacrifice would never be forgotten.

At the cremation ground, an Army guard of honour led by a Subedar carried out the ceremonial farewell. In a solemn and powerful tribute, they fired a final salute—shots into the air—as a last goodbye to their comrade. The soldiers stood at attention, their faces marked with both loss and determination. The entire ceremony was performed with deep seriousness, reflecting the military’s code of respect and dignity. Phogat’s funeral pyre was lit amid slogans of valor, and the Indian flag from his coffin was later handed over ceremonially to his family, as is tradition.

The occasion was attended by many prominent figures. Shruti Choudhry, Cabinet Minister for Irrigation & Water Resources in Haryana, came to personally pay her respects. Alongside her were Dharambir Singh, Member of Parliament from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, and Suneel Sangwan, MLA from Dadri. These public servants didn’t just stand in silence—they offered floral tributes, consoled the grieving family, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the villagers. Village elders and the head of the Phogat khap (clan) were also present, showing unity and strength in mourning. One of the officials rightly said, “It is because of brave soldiers like Manoj that we live freely in this country.” These words reflected what everyone was feeling—that India owed its peace to men like him. The state government ensured a state funeral, and the presence of high-ranking dignitaries confirmed how deeply the sacrifice had moved the nation.

Tributes That Echoed Across India

As the flames settled and silence filled Samaspur, a wave of tributes poured in from across the country. Soldiers fall, but martyrs rise—and Phogat’s memory soared in the hearts of millions. Among the most powerful voices was that of his mother. “It is the dream of every soldier to sacrifice his life for the country. I am proud that he has died for the motherland,” said Santosh Devi, her voice trembling but strong. Her words spread widely, becoming a rallying cry of patriotism on social media and news channels alike.

Back in the village, people hailed Manoj as their hero, vowing to ensure his name would live on for generations. Young men took inspiration from his story; many declared they would now consider joining the Army because of him. Slogans were raised, not just in grief, but in respect and commitment.

On May 18, former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala visited the Phogat family. He sat quietly with them, offered heartfelt condolences, and acknowledged the magnitude of Manoj’s sacrifice. The Haryana government also assured the family of its support, understanding that while no compensation could replace what was lost, standing by the family was the least the state could do.

Across platforms—from politicians to common citizens, from veterans to school children—people celebrated the life of Lance Naik Phogat. One user wrote, “India bids a teary adieu to Jawan Manoj Phogat… Salute to his courage. Jai Hind.” These words reflected the grief and gratitude of a nation.

Within the Indian Army, the loss was deeply personal. Soldiers and officers from his unit reached out to his family, sending messages and recounting stories of his discipline, loyalty, and fearlessness. The Army officially recognized his sacrifice, and it was noted in press reports that his “life and service will be remembered by the nation.”

In the days after the funeral, tributes continued to pour in. Across Haryana, towns held candlelight vigils, and war memorials became sites of silent prayer. These weren’t just symbolic gestures—they were real expressions of a collective heartache. His name—Shaheed Manoj Phogat—is now spoken with reverence. Local schools and leaders have already begun referring to him as a martyr, planning ways to permanently honor him in the community.

As one minister said so powerfully, “Shaheed Manoj’s sacrifice evokes both grief and pride – grief for losing a brave son, and pride because he laid down his life so that we can live in peace.”

A Legacy Carved in Service

Lance Naik Manoj Phogat’s journey, from a humble village in Haryana to the borders of Punjab, and ultimately to martyrdom at age 34, is a reflection of the strength, honor, and selflessness of India’s soldiers. He leaves behind a proud but grieving family: a mother who blessed his devotion to duty, a wife who stands tall in his memory, and two young children who will grow up knowing their father died a hero.

His funeral—held with full military and state honours—was more than a final farewell. It was a national event, a moment when the country paused to honor a man who had given his life to protect it. The chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, the sight of his young son saluting him, and the tears of hundreds who gathered, formed a living tribute etched forever in India’s conscience.

Manoj Phogat’s name will be remembered not only in his home village but across the nation. His story is now part of India’s proud military legacy—a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the eternal bond between a soldier and his motherland. As one tribute so fittingly described the farewell, the ceremony for Lance Naik Phogat served as a “solemn tribute to [his] bravery and sacrifice,” ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts of a grateful nation.