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KalimNews and Agencies, May 24, 2025, Kolkata : More than a week after his release by Pakistan Rangers, BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw finally reached his residence in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on the evening of May 23. Shaw, 40, had returned to India on May 14 through the Attari-Wagah border after being held captive for nearly three weeks in Pakistan. He was detained on April 23 when he inadvertently crossed the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, a day after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives and significantly escalated regional tensions.
On Friday, Shaw arrived at Howrah station to an emotional reception. Dressed in a casual T-shirt and jeans, with a garland around his neck and a protective mask on his face, he was greeted by chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” from a crowd of family members, friends, and well-wishers. His father, Bholanath Shaw, waited for hours at the platform and embraced his son tightly amid cheers and applause. Security forces formed a protective cordon as the crowd surged forward to meet the returning soldier.
A visibly tired but smiling Shaw told the assembled media, “I am happy to be back and to meet my near and dear ones.” He and his family were escorted in battery-operated cars to the parking area outside the station’s new complex. On the way to their home in Rishra, the car paused briefly at a shop in Liluah. Shaw expressed deep gratitude, stating, “Thank you all. With everyone’s blessings, I have been given a second birth. I got to see all my family members.”
Upon reaching Rishra, the atmosphere turned celebratory. A local procession with a marching band led Shaw from Baghkal to his house. The neighborhood was adorned with colored lights and patriotic music echoed through the streets. Locals gathered to welcome him, and sweets were distributed in celebration. His wife, Rajani Shaw, who is expecting, expressed immense relief and happiness. “It feels great that he has returned after so many days. We have prepared his favorite food—luchi-curry, curd, sweets, and more,” she said tearfully.
As Shaw stepped into his home, words failed him. His brother, Rahul Shaw, exclaimed with joy, “It feels like Diwali has returned to our area.” Reflecting on his experience, Shaw shared a powerful message: “Our soldiers should not be afraid. We have to guard the border day and night. If we are afraid, what will happen to the countrymen? I was not afraid. But I was worried about home.”
His wife, proud and emotional, added, “He has been serving the nation for 17 years. He will return to the frontlines again. We are proud of him as a brave warrior, one of those guarding the nation’s borders.”
Shaw’s safe return, marked by spontaneous outpourings of support and celebration, stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who serve the country and the deep gratitude felt by the communities they protect.
