It is unfortunate that the hero who saved many lives when Akshardham Temple was attacked by terrorists — Rfn Surjan Singh has been fighting with his destiny in a state of coma for almost thirteen months. He is presently undergoing treatment in a special ward at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Although on deputation with the National Security Guards (NSG), Surjan is a hardcore Army man from the famous Garhwal Rifles Regiment. In order to facilitate him, a solemn ceremony was organised at AIIMS where the Colonel of the Regiment of the Garhwal Rifles and Garhwal Scouts, Maj Gen MC Bhandari accompanied by Brig G Dawar, Commandant Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre honoured the brave soldier. In the best traditions of the regiment, a special prayer was held for the speedy recovery of Surjan.

Surjan, affectionately called 'Bhula' in Garhwali, belongs to Chamoli district of Garhwal region. A young, enthusiastic and commando-course qualified soldier, Surjan voluntarily joined NSG in 2001 on deputation from his parent unit, Garhwal Scouts. He was wounded critically while fighting the terrorists at Akshardham Temple in September 2002. He was instrumental in killing the desperadoes, thus saving thousands of lives. He was awarded the Kirti Chakra. Such braves are rarely born. The whole nation prays for his fast recovery.