Ghatkopar in shock, unable to get over death of sepoy ‘Aadi’

Residents of Jagduesha Nagar in Ghatkopar (west) are finding it difficult to hold back their tears. The reason: their beloved “Aadi” alias Aditya Chandrakant Kadam (25), a sepoy in BSF, is no more.

The soldier, who had earlier served in West Bengal and Delhi camps for two years each, sacrificed his life for the nation late night Tuesday. His body was sent to his native place in Sangli district and his last rites were performed by family members on Thursday. However, Ghatkopar, where this 25-year-old was born and brought up, is unable to come to terms with the fact that their “prankster with a kind heart” is no longer in their midst.

The Kadam family originally belongs to Hingan village in Sangli but has been staying in Mumbai for the past many years. The late jawan’s father, popularly known as “Kadam Mama”, owns a department store. The late jawan’s mother, Mangal Kadam, is a homemaker while his elder brother, Aditya, is an engineer. The family was on the lookout for a life partner for Aadi and the plan was to get him engaged in May when he came back on leave.

Neighbor Naresh Jadhav said, “Jawan Kadam finished his schooling from Nain Sagar School, Tech School and Vanita High School in our area, after which, he joined Satara Sainik School with the plan to join the armed forces.”

When The Asian Age visited late Aadi’s home, another neighbour, Shobha Khadtare, said, “He wanted to serve the nation ever since his childhood. When he was in Class V, he announced he would join the army after which, his father supported him and stood by him.”

Another local Deepak Dhurve recalled how the Kadam family was very close to their neighbours because of their humble, happy-go-lucky nature. “Sepoy Kadam used to visit his house twice in a year, and every time while leaving, at least 200 people used to accompany him till the main road. He joined BSF almost six years ago but till date, there was no change in his behaviour and he would treat everyone with love and respect.”

A childhood friend Sagar Ahire had tears in his eyes when he recalled, “Aadi was very fond of dancing. He used to dance at every wedding and during Ganesh Chaturthi, which was his favourite festival.”

Rohan Bapke, another friend, said, “Every time after his arrival, he used to play cricket with us at the local ground. He was good in his studies too. But his love for his country was immense. Since childhood, he dreamt of becoming a soldier and sacrificing his life for the country. He was a prankster but with a kind heart and helping nature.”