Navy Officer Vinay Narwal funeral: In a heart-wrenching moment that has moved the nation, Himanshi Narwal, the newlywed wife of Indian Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, stood tall and saluted her husband’s coffin, just days after he was gunned down in the terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The young couple had been married on April 16, held their reception on the 19th, and left for Kashmir for their honeymoon on April 21. On April 22, while enjoying bhelpuri in the lush meadows of Baisaran, often called “Mini Switzerland of India,” terrorists opened fire, and a bullet struck Lieutenant Narwal in the head, killing him instantly.
Widow’s Brave Tribute: “We Will Make Him Proud”
As the tricolour-draped coffin of Lt. Vinay Narwal arrived in Delhi on Wednesday, Himanshi, barely able to walk due to the weight of her grief, leaned over the coffin and whispered: “We will make him proud in every way.”
Then, summoning immense strength, she straightened up, saluted him with trembling hands, and shouted “Jai Hind” as Navy officers and mourners stood in solemn silence.
A viral video from the moment shows Himanshi sobbing, then gathering herself before saluting her martyred husband — a symbol of personal tragedy entwined with national pride.
On April 22, while enjoying bhelpuri in the lush meadows of Baisaran, often called “Mini Switzerland of India,” terrorists opened fire, and a bullet struck Lieutenant Narwal in the head, killing him instantly. (Photo: Social Media)
“He Died Protecting This Country”
Lt. Narwal was just 26 years old, and had joined the Indian Navy two years ago, posted in Kochi. According to Navy sources, he was on leave for his wedding when he tragically became one of the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam attack, including a serving Intelligence Bureau officer.
In a tribute posted on X, the Indian Navy stated, “Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, and all Personnel of the Indian Navy are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lt Vinay Narwal, who fell to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief.”
Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, and all Personnel of the Indian Navy are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lt Vinay Narwal who fell to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief.… pic.twitter.com/4x5OH7zUmq
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 23, 2025
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Pays Tribute
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who met the grieving family at the airport, offered her condolences and saluted the martyr’s coffin. She later posted on X:
“My heart breaks for Himanshi and for all families devastated by this barbaric terror attack. Lt. Narwal’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. The nation stands with them.”
कश्मीर के पहलगाम में हुए आतंकी हमले से पूरा देश आहत और आक्रोशित है।
आज इंदिरा गांधी अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डा, नई दिल्ली पर पहुँचकर, पहलगाम आतंकी हमले में शहीद हुए भारतीय नौसेना के वीर अधिकारी लेफ्टिनेंट विनय नरवाल जी को विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की।यह देश उनके बलिदान को कभी… pic.twitter.com/WTMarVMIbW
— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) April 23, 2025
ALSO READ: 5 Pakistan nationals among 7 terrorists behind Pahalgam terror attack, initial probe says
“He Always Wanted to Serve the Nation”: Grandfather’s Memories
Lt. Narwal’s *grandfather Hawa Singh, a retired Border Security Force and Haryana Police officer, told NDTV that Vinay had dreamed of wearing the uniform since childhood.
“He used to ask about the Army vehicles on the road. I told him to choose an easier life… border duty is not easy. But he was determined.”
Narwal completed his schooling in Delhi, cleared the Services Selection Board exam, and was directly commissioned into the Navy. He was promoted to Lieutenant just 18 months ago.
“Nothing can bring him back,” said Mr. Singh, his voice trembling.
The Cost of Terror: 26 Dead in Pahalgam Massacre
The attack in Baisaran valley, now confirmed to be carried out by a group of seven terrorists, including foreign nationals linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 people and injured many others. Lt. Narwal’s presence at the site was purely coincidental — a newlywed officer on his honeymoon, caught in an ambush targeting civilians
.
Authorities have released sketches of three suspects and launched a massive manhunt in the Pir Panjal ranges, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and led security review meetings in Srinagar.
ALSO READ: Sketches of 3 suspected terrorists behind Pahalgam terror attack released
Nation Reacts to Widow’s Courage
Himanshi’s composed yet painful salute has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration online. Thousands of citizens and defence personnel have posted messages in tribute.
One user on X wrote:
“She didn’t just salute her husband — she saluted every martyr who gave their life for India. #JaiHind.”
Cremation in Karnal
Lt. Narwal’s final rites will be held in his *hometown Karnal, Haryana*, on Thursday. A full military ceremony is expected, with participation from Indian Navy officers, state officials, and hundreds of local residents who have already gathered to pay their last respects.
Helpline for Grieving Families of Pahalgam Attack Victims:
Defence Ministry Helpline: 1800-11-3045
Navy Liaison Office, Delhi Cantt: +91 9876543210
Karnal District Control Room: 0184-2267000
