Savitri Saxena, mother of Assistant Commandant Vivek Saxena, a Border Security Force (BSF) officer martyred in 2003, recently offered to return her son's Shaurya Chakra. Her poignant gesture came after 22 years of pursuing unfulfilled promises of support from state authorities. Former Union Minister and investor Rajeev Chandrasekhar has now intervened, pledging his full support to the family.
A Mother's Decades-Long Struggle for Justice
Assistant Commandant Vivek Saxena tragically lost his life fighting terrorists in Manipur on January 8, 2003. For his immense bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, a prestigious gallantry award. In recognition of his service, the state had reportedly promised his family land and a memorial.
However, for over two decades, Savitri Saxena, now 80 years old, has been caught in a bureaucratic maze, repeatedly visiting offices in an attempt to secure the promised benefits. She has faced requests for domicile papers and questions about her residence prior to marriage, adding to her immense burden.
"She is 80. She says she no longer has the strength to keep doing the rounds," a social media post highlighting her plight stated. The post further emphasized, "An 80-year-old mother is offering to return her son's Shaurya Chakra. Not in anger at the nation. In exhaustion."
The veteran's mother expressed her profound weariness, reportedly stating, "if this is the honour we give a martyr's mother, take it back." The situation was starkly summarized: "A son gave his life. A mother is being asked to prove she belongs."
Former Minister Pledges Swift Action
The distressing situation gained widespread attention after Navy veteran and author Manan S. Bhatt shared Savitri Saxena's story on social media. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, responding to the viral post, promptly reached out to the family.
Chandrasekhar confirmed his contact with the Saxena family via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He declared, "I have promised every support to them with state and central govt to get what the country owes them for the service and sacrifice of braveheart Asst Commdt Vivek Saxena, SC of BSF." He also noted his foundation has previously assisted families facing similar bureaucratic challenges, assuring his commitment to resolving her issues.
The former minister's intervention brings a glimmer of hope to Savitri Saxena, who has tirelessly sought justice and recognition for her son's ultimate sacrifice for over two decades.