PNS n Vijayawada
Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh attended the funeral of Agniveer Veerjawaan Murali Naik, who sacrificed his life for the nation during Operation Sindoor. The soldier hailed from Kalitanda village in Gorantla mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district.
Minister Lokesh visited Murali Naik’s residence to offer his final respects, laying a floral tribute and giving a solemn salute at the martyr’s mortal remains. He consoled the grieving parents and interacted with relatives and friends, reviewing WhatsApp chats exchanged between Murali and his cousin Rajasekhar shortly before his deployment—messages that left the minister visibly moved.
Slogans of “Jai Veerjawaan Murali Naik,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and “Vande Mataram” echoed across the village as large crowds gathered to honour the fallen soldier. The funeral procession saw an outpouring of emotion, with many locals joining in a show of national pride and collective mourning.
In a gesture of deep respect, Minister Lokesh personally carried the martyr’s mortal remains during the procession. The final rites were conducted with full state honours on the family’s agricultural land. From early morning, Lokesh oversaw the arrangements, coordinating with officials and personally inspecting the site to ensure all was in order.
Speaking at a press conference following the funeral, Minister Lokesh assured that both the central and state governments would fully support Murali Naik’s family. He praised the Indian armed forces for their decisive retaliation in destroying terrorist bases across the border, and stressed the importance of recognising the sacrifices made by soldiers like Murali, who serve the nation far from their families.
Murali Naik, the only son in the family, had long dreamt of joining the armed forces and had expressed his wish to be draped in the Indian flag upon his death. Brought up by his grandparents, his loss is particularly poignant for the family.
The government has announced financial support of Rs 50 lakh to his family, along with five acres of agricultural land and a 300-square-yard residential plot. His father will be offered a government job. A memorial will be built at the funeral site, and a bronze statue will be erected at the district headquarters in honour of his sacrifice.
Additionally, fulfilling the villagers’ request, the government will rename Kalitanda village as “Murali Naik Tanda” as a tribute to the braveheart and in solidarity with the armed forces.
Several dignitaries were present at the ceremony, including Ministers Anagani Satya Prasad, Vangalapudi Anitha, S Savitha, Satya Kumar Yadav, MP BK Parthasarathi, former ministers Palle Raghunatha Reddy and Kalava Srinivasulu, and MLAs Palle Sindhura Reddy, MS Raju and JC Prabhakar Reddy.
