This village in Siddipet has nearly 100 youngsters serving the Indian Armed Forces

Unlike other villages, villagers in Katkur of Akkannapet mandal discuss real time stories of the Indian Army and their courageous battles on the border

Siddipet: Unlike other villages, villagers in Katkur of Akkannapet mandal discuss real time stories of the Indian Army and their courageous battles on the border. This is based on updates from nearly 100 of its sons, who are serving in the Indian armed forces in various capacities. Every day since Operation Sindoor was launched, families in Katkur have been connected to what is happening on the border.

Even school and college going children discuss the courage of their brothers and how India was thwarting the efforts of Pakistan by destroying its drones and missiles. Katkur, which has a population of nearly 4,000, has a love story with the Indian armed forces that began 45 years ago when Jerripothula Daniel joined the Indian Navy. Drawing inspiration from Daniel, Varsha Srinivas joined the Indian army a couple of years later.

During the last four and a half decades, more than 120 people from this village joined the armed forces. While 30 of them retired from service, the rest are still serving in capacities in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Even today, several of the youth are preparing for armed forces jobs by joining coaching centres in Warangal, Hyderabad and Karimnagar.

The village has had its share of tragedies too. CRPF Jawan from the village Guguloth Narasimhulu Nayak was killed in an exchange of fire with Maoists about 10 years ago in Chhattisgarh. The first death from the village made the villagers think twice before sending their children into the profession.

However, they continued the tradition upon seeing the respect and support Narasimhulu Nayak’s family got post his death. His funeral was performed with full State honours amid the presence of several VIPs. Nayak’s father Lingaiah installed his statue in his field. He always carries his son’s photograph in his pocket wherever he goes.

Some of the families in the villages have sent both their children to the armed forces while about 20 families have sent their only son to join the profession.

Remembering the services of all those who were fighting for the country from the village, former Sarpanch Jillela Ashok Reddy got painted an ancient burj (tower) in the village with the tricolour when India launched Operation Sindoor. Ashok Reddy said the entire village was praying for the safety for their sons and the victory of India over Pakistan every day.