“When I first met him, six years back, I was so impressed to see how optimistic and full of life he was”, remembers Vithal S, Major Akshay Girish Kumar’s uncle.

Having dedicated his life to serve the nation at a very young age, Major Akshay Girish Kumar had emerged as a hero for hundreds who gathered at Jade gardens in Bengaluru. He, along with other officers and soldiers were killed while sheltering the lives of 16 individuals during the Nagrota terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Thursday, his mortal remains were brought to his hometown, Bengaluru. From close friends and family to people who didn’t know him, many gathered at the Jade Garden residence in Devanahalli to pay their last respects to the army hero.

Along with the army personnel, Girish Kumar, Major Akshay’s father arrived with the coffin. It was placed before people for them to pay their respects.

As condolences poured in, his father, a retired IAF pilot remained stoic throughout the ceremony, standing beside the coffin of his beloved son.

Individuals of all ages, including school children gathered at the ceremony.

Deepak, a college student, had arrived after reading about it in the newspapers, said, “He gave up his today, for our tomorrow. I don’t know much about him, but what he did for his country is unmatched. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Major Akshay is survived by his wife and a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who are now residing in Bengaluru.