National

Geetika Lidder’s ‘I Am a Soldier’s Wife’: A Journey Through Grief and Healing After the Loss of Her Husband

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

Geetika Lidder, the widow of the late Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, who tragically perished in a military helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, in December 2021, is set to unveil her debut memoir, *I Am a Soldier’s Wife*. The book, which captures the essence of her “love story” with her husband, will be launched by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi this Friday.

Known affectionately as ‘Toni’, Brigadier Lidder was commissioned into the 2 JAK RIF in 1990 and served as the defence assistant to the then Chief of Defence Staff, Bipin Rawat. In one of her last communications on December 8, 2021, Geetika expressed a wish to visit the Taj Mahal for a moonlit evening together. His reply, sent nearly an hour later while airborne on the Mi-17V5 helicopter, was a hopeful affirmation: “Yes yes… let us do it first week next year.” Tragically, just hours after this exchange, the helicopter crashed near Coonoor, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals, including Brigadier Lidder and CDS Rawat.

Ahead of the book’s release, Geetika spoke with The Statesman about *I Am a Soldier’s Wife*, describing it as a personal account and a “journal of the life I shared with him.” Balancing her role as a vice principal at a local school, Geetika found comfort in writing, reflecting on their shared memories and deep love. “A year after his passing, I was immersed in work and home responsibilities. However, in the quiet evenings, I began to document our life together. Each chapter explores a different phase of our journey, from the various military installations we called home,” she shared.

What started as private reflections gradually evolved into a comprehensive manuscript. “It wasn’t until I had penned five chapters that I considered publishing it as a book. Roli Books expressed great interest, and I am grateful they chose to publish my work,” Geetika noted.

Recalling the painful loss, Geetika reflected on a poignant moment during a media interaction after her husband’s cremation at Brar Square in Delhi. During that time, she remarked, “We must give him a good farewell, a smiling send-off. I am a soldier’s wife. I have nothing more to say. It’s a big loss.” Her heartfelt words struck a chord with many, embodying the strength and resilience of military families.

Ironically, despite her husband’s encouragement to write, Geetika hadn’t seriously considered it until after his death. “Brigadier Lidder always inspired me to write, but I never fully embraced the idea until he was gone,” she revealed.

The process of writing the book has been an emotionally therapeutic journey for Geetika. “The grief of losing him was overwhelming and shocking. Writing this book allowed me to confront emotions I had buried. It was cathartic, reviving cherished moments, though tinged with a bittersweet longing,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

*I Am a Soldier’s Wife* is more than just a memoir; it stands as a tribute to Geetika’s late husband and the unyielding love and sacrifices inherent in the life of a military spouse.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.