"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
22 Jul 2025
In a world often looking for heroes in uniforms, sometimes a child with a bottle of lassi shows what true courage and compassion look like. Shvan Singh, a 10-year-old boy from Punjab’s Ferozepur district, has captured the nation’s heart not by force, but by the force of his kindness.
A Child’s Gesture in a Time of Tension
Operation Sindoor, a high-intensity deployment near the Indo-Pakistan border, saw soldiers braving harsh weather and extreme pressure. Amid this tense atmosphere, little Shvan emerged as an unexpected ray of warmth. Every day, he walked to the troops stationed in the sweltering heat of Tara Wali village, carrying milk, lassi, water, and ice from his home. No one asked him to. He didn’t do it for rewards or recognition.
The Army's Salute to a Young Warrior
Recognizing this selfless act, the Indian Army's prestigious Golden Arrow Division decided to sponsor Shvan's entire education. From admission fees to books and uniforms, every academic need will now be covered. At a heartfelt felicitation ceremony held at the Ferozepur Cantonment, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command, made the announcement. The General praised the boy's initiative and underlined that the army’s relationship with the people goes beyond defense; it is about nurturing the future and walking hand-in-hand with communities.
More Than Just Support A Message of Hope
What he offered may seem simple—water, milk, or lassi—but in times of heat and hardship, these were lifelines of comfort. And more than that, they were gestures of brotherhood and national pride. The Indian Army’s support of his education sends a powerful message: service to the nation is not measured by age, rank, or weaponry but by heart. In doing so, they are not just supporting one child’s dream; they are inspiring thousands more like him to believe that small acts can lead to big change.
A Bond Beyond Borders
Punjab has always shared a deep-rooted emotional connection with the Indian Armed Forces. Its people known for bravery and patriotism have filled the army’s ranks for decades. But this moment added a new chapter to that bond. A child from a small border village reminded the nation that patriotism begins at home, sometimes with a jug of lassi and a heart full of purpose.
This moment wasn't just a proud one for the family but for the entire village and state. Shvan's story is now a symbol of how every citizen, regardless of age or background, can contribute to national service in their own way. His story will echo in classrooms, cantonments, and hearts for years to come. It is a shining example of how unity, empathy, and a sense of duty can build a better, stronger India one child at a time. Shvan reminds us all that real heroes sometimes carry lassi, not guns, and still win the biggest battles—those of the heart.