Honoring a Fallen Hero: Thomas Cherian Finally Laid to Rest

Thomas Cherian, an Indian army jawan who perished in a 1968 plane crash, received a befitting farewell with military honors in Kerala. After 56 years, his remains were discovered and returned to his hometown, Elanthoor. Hundreds gathered, including notable political figures, to pay their respects.

Thomas Cherian, an Indian army jawan, was finally laid to rest with full military honors in Kerala, 56 years after he perished in a plane crash. His remains were discovered in the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and returned to his hometown in Elanthoor with utmost respect.

The mortal remains, escorted by military personnel, arrived at Cherian's family residence in Elanthoor before being taken to St Peter's Orthodox Church, Karur. A solemn ceremony ensued, with religious rites performed and a gun salute given, as hundreds gathered to pay tribute to the soldier.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George, Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony, and various political and military figures attended the ceremony, laying wreaths in his honor. Cherian was one of the victims of the AN-12 turboprop crash, with his remains discovered during a mission by the Indian Army.

(With inputs from agencies.)