Hemant, a brave heart from Sonesarar village in the Rajnandgaon district, was martyred by Maoists in an assault in southern Chhattisgarh. However, seven years after he made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, there is no end to his mother’s struggle for the honour due to him. She is still clinging to his memory cradling his ashes close to her heart.

Nestled in a quiet corner of her home, Hemant’s remains rest in an urn while his mother Sanvali Bai Mahilkar, at the age of 68, has become the emblem of maternal strength as she steadfastly pursues the honour of her son’s legacy.

Sanvali Bai fervently believes the village school would eventually be renamed after her son and a dignified memorial within the village would be established as a befitting tribute to his valour. She wants her son’s sacrifice etched in the collective memory of the community, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.

With each passing day, her resolve only grows stronger, fueled by the conviction that her son deserves nothing less than a statutory recognition for his selfless service to the nation.

In a conversation with The Statesman, her elder son, Teekam, said, “My mother, Sanvali Bai, has been tirelessly advocating renaming of the village school or establishment of a memorial at prominent locations within the village. She wishes to immerse Hemant’s ashes in the foundation of the memorial, symbolising his eternal presence. Despite my mother and our family’s relentless efforts over the past seven years, recognition of his sacrifice remained elusive.”

Hemant, the third son of Sanvali Bai, served the Chhattisgarh Armed Forces with dedication battling Maoist insurgency and sacrificed his life during a search operation in Bijapur in 2017. His valorous legacy remains a beacon of inspiration for all those who know him.

Ever since Sanvali Bai is struggling for recognition due to her martyred son. But despite all the assurances and support she received from local legislators and district collectors, she could not succeed in her mission, thanks to bureaucratic hurdles and administrative apathy. However, undeterred by these hurdles and failing health, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her mission.

Sanvali Bai’s unwavering determination and resilience symbolise the essence of maternal strength and love. She has not given up her crusade against all the odds as she is confident that her son’s sacrifice will, one day, get the recognition that it deserves. Through her untiring efforts, she not only honours her son’s memory but also upholds the enduring legacy of the sacrifice and service of a mother.