‘Deserter’ to hero: A soldier returns home

The welcome party started 20 km away from his village, with a large number of people driving up to the twin canals in Muktsar to catch a glimpse of Jagsir.

Hands folded, a prayer on his lips, he drove into the village with his colleague Arif Mohammad in the Indica provided to them by the Army, as the evening air was filled with the sound of the beating of dhols.

As his family and friends waited to hold him, a composed Jagsir bent to pay homage to the soil of his village. Later, he told The Indian Express: ‘‘I thought of God and thanked Him for granting me another opportunity to be here again.’’

Chotto Kaur couldn’t stop beaming as her son enveloped her in a hug. ‘‘It’s his second birth. I only remember three occasions in his life: His birth, his commission into the Army, and now this moment.’’ Little Kuldeep, who had gifted toffees to her father at the canal, was all smiles as she stuck close to him.

Outside, the villagers broke into bhangra, eager to show Jagsir that they cared, that he was their hero. Garland followed garland, and soon Jagsir was smothered with marigold. Though electricity played a spoiler, Jagsir’s home continued to shine in the light of a hundred diyas and candles, while village youths lit up the sky with crackers.

Jagsir, who is on a month’s leave starting tomorrow, reiterated his resolve to serve the Army, but he also seemed anxious to sourt out his family matters. That all is not well with the family was obvious from the absence of his wife, who had been present at Wagah to welcome him back.

His colleague, Sapper Arif Mohammad who watched the festivities with a smile, said he was also looking forward to his return to Meerut, his hometown. ‘‘I am so glad we are back,’’ he murmured. So are we.