Capt. Ashutosh cleared both IIT and NDA but chose nation above himself. He could have been alive enjoying this Diwali, a ‘better’ lifestyle being an IITian. In 2017, I came across this beautiful poem shared by Advit Verma from APS, Ambala Cantt. Those lines fit this gentleman.+

We both left home at 18.
You cleared JEE,
I got recommended.
You got IIT,
I got NDA.
You pursued your degree,
I had the toughest training.
Your day started at 7 and ended at 5,
Mine started at 4 till 9 and
Some nights also included.
You had your convocation ceremony,
I had my POP

Best company took you and
Best package was awarded,
I was ordered to join my paltan
With 2 stars piped on my shoulders.
You got a job,
I got a way of life.
Every eve you got to see your family,
I just wished i got to see my parents soon.

You celebrated festivals with lights and music,
I celebrated with my comrade in bunkers.
We both married,
Your wife got to see you everyday,
My wife just wished i was alive.
You were sent to business trips,
I was sent on line of control.

We both returned,
Both wives couldn't control their tears, but
You wiped her but,
I couldn't
You hugged her but,
I couldn’t
Because I was lying in the coffin,
With medals on my chest and,
Coffin wrapped with tricolour.
My way of life ended,
Your continued.
We both left home at 18