From Dras to Assam, 18 Years in Uniform: Kshitish Jagat Returns to His Homeland

Sinapali, October 4: After dedicating 18 precious years of his life to the service and security of the nation, CRPF personnel Kshitish Jagat returned to his native village of Palsapada following his retirement from service. His homecoming turned into a memorable occasion as villagers, friends, former classmates and well-wishers came together to honour the braveheart with a grand procession and a heartfelt welcome. Son of Sugriba Jagat and Malati Jagat, Kshitish joined the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on June 26, 2008. During his long and distinguished career, he served with dedication, discipline and commitment in several parts of the country. From the challenging terrain of Dras in Jammu and Kashmir to various other locations across the country, Kshitish performed his duties with sincerity and courage. His years in uniform were marked by a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to the nation. Serving in the armed forces often means staying away from family and sacrificing personal comfort, festivals and important moments of life. For Kshitish, too, the call of duty remained above personal priorities as he continued to serve the country with dedication. He was last posted at Lekhapani in Assam, where he continued his duties until his retirement on September 30, 2026, bringing an end to his 18-year-long journey in uniform. As he returned to his native land after retirement, villagers gathered at Sinapali Bus Stand Square to receive him. He was then taken to Palsapada in a grand procession amid the beats of traditional drums and nishan. The atmosphere reverberated with patriotic slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as villagers showered flowers and welcomed the former CRPF personnel with garlands and warm affection. The homecoming was not merely a personal celebration for Kshitish and his family. It was also a moment of collective pride for the village, which came together to honour a son who had spent nearly two decades serving the nation. A felicitation ceremony was subsequently organised in Palsapada. President of the Nuapada District Ex-Servicemen Association Nimai Charan Tandi, Vice-President Prafulla Dandsena and Secretary Pabitra Majhi, along with several dignitaries, attended the programme and felicitated Kshitish. He was presented with bouquets, traditional shawls and a memento in recognition of his dedicated service to the nation. The ceremony witnessed the presence of hundreds of villagers, friends, former classmates, relatives and well-wishers. Their participation transformed the occasion into an emotional and memorable tribute to Kshitish’s long years of service. The return of a soldier after years of service is more than just a homecoming. It is a moment when a community acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who stand ready to protect the nation, often far away from their homes and loved ones. Kshitish Jagat’s 18-year journey in the CRPF stands as a symbol of duty, discipline, sacrifice and patriotism. His honourable return to his birthplace, amid the affection and respect of his people, marked the closing of one proud chapter of his life and the beginning of a new journey with his family and community. For Palsapada, his homecoming was a moment of immense pride—a fitting salute to a son of the soil who dedicated the prime years of his life to the service of the nation.