^{A Tribute to India’s Silent Protectors}

The Forgotten Salute: A Tribute to India’s Silent Protectors by Niteesha Salgaonkar

On the outskirts of a quiet border village, where the tricolour flutters against the ruthless wind, lived men and women whose names never made headlines—Army civilians, border workers, engineers, radio operators, and technical staff who guarded the nation with tools rather than rifles, yet with courage just as fierce.

Among them was Raghav, an Army civilian communication officer. His job was not on the

frontlines—not in the way people imagine—but just as dangerous. Every night, hidden behind

bunkers, he repaired signal lines shattered by snowstorms, monitored enemy radio frequencies,

and ensured every jawan’s message reached command in time. One failed signal could cost lives.

Raghav knew this. He never complained. At home, his wife, Meera, and their son, Aarush, waited. Every evening, Meera would step onto the balcony, staring at the sky, imagining Raghav seeing the same stars. Aarush would ask, “Papa kab aayenge?” and she would smile, hiding the storm inside her heart.

Winter arrived early that year. A brutal avalanche struck the border post. Many soldiers were

rescued—but Raghav was missing. Hours turned into days. Days into weeks. Finally, his frozen,

still body was found under layers of merciless snow, clutching the radio device he had refused to abandon.