Mother of pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan who died in Kedarnath helicopter crash dies on his 13th day

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Tragedy Strikes Twice: Pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan’s Mother Passes Away on His Thirteenth-Day Ritual

Jaipur Family Plunged Into Grief After Kedarnath Helicopter Crash

The city of Jaipur has been gripped by a wave of sorrow following the tragic loss of pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan in the Kedarnath helicopter crash on June 15, 2025. The family, already reeling from the devastating accident that claimed Rajveer’s life, was dealt another heartbreaking blow when his mother, Vijay Laxmi Chauhan, passed away on the day of his “terahvi”—the thirteenth-day death ritual observed in Hindu tradition. The double tragedy has left the Chauhan family and their entire community in mourning, highlighting the profound emotional toll that sudden loss can take on those left behind.

The Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: A Nation in Shock

On June 15, 2025, a helicopter ferrying pilgrims near Kedarnath crashed, killing all seven people on board. Among the victims was pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan, a resident of Jaipur’s Shastri Nagar. Rajveer, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Indian Army, had transitioned to civilian aviation after decades of distinguished service. His untimely death sent shockwaves through both the military and civilian communities.

The final farewell to Rajveer was widely shared on social media, with a video of his last rites going viral. The footage captured the raw grief of his wife, Lieutenant Colonel Deepika Chauhan, herself an officer in the Indian Army, as she bid her husband an emotional goodbye in her army uniform. The sight of Deepika, draped in olive green, weeping and holding on to her husband’s mortal remains, moved countless viewers across the country.

A Family Struggling to Cope

The Chauhan family was still grappling with the enormity of their loss when tragedy struck again. Rajveer’s mother, Vijay Laxmi, had been in a state of shock since her son’s death. According to relatives and neighbors, she had thrown herself into the preparations for Rajveer’s “terahvi,” determined to honor his memory with dignity and devotion.

On the morning of the ritual, Vijay Laxmi woke up early to prepare food for the traditional Brahmin feast, a significant part of the thirteenth-day ceremony. Despite her grief, she managed to cook with her own hands, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the occasion. As relatives arrived from Bikaner and other parts of Rajasthan, Vijay Laxmi became visibly emotional. The arrival of close family members appeared to overwhelm her with memories and sorrow.

A Sudden End Amid Rituals

As the rituals progressed, the emotional weight became too much for Vijay Laxmi. Overcome with grief, she began to cry uncontrollably in front of her relatives. Suddenly, she complained of severe chest pain and collapsed. Family members rushed her to the hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.

According to neighbors, Vijay Laxmi simply could not bear the shock of her son’s death. The pain of losing Rajveer, whom she had raised with so much love and pride, proved too great for her heart to withstand. Her passing, coming as it did during the very rituals meant to bring closure to her son’s journey, has left the family shattered.

The Community Mourns

The news of Vijay Laxmi’s death spread rapidly through Shastri Nagar and beyond, drawing an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and the extended army fraternity. That evening, her last rites were performed at Chandpole crematorium, attended by a large gathering of relatives, friends, and army officers. The presence of so many in uniform was a testament to the respect and affection the Chauhan family commanded within the military community.

At the crematorium, the grief was palpable. Lieutenant Colonel Deepika Chauhan, still in her army uniform, was seen gently caressing her husband’s body during his last rites, and now stood by her mother-in-law’s side for a second time in less than two weeks. The pain on her face and in her demeanor touched all those present.

Vishu, Rajveer’s nephew, had performed the final rites for his uncle just days earlier. Now, he and other family members found themselves once again lighting the funeral pyre, this time for the family matriarch. The double loss has left the family’s future uncertain, with the surviving members struggling to come to terms with their grief.

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Rajveer Singh Chauhan’s life was marked by service and sacrifice. After a distinguished career in the Indian Army, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he retired and joined civilian aviation. His wife, Deepika, continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the army, embodying the spirit of dedication and patriotism that defined their family.

Rajveer’s final journey was marked by military honors, with officers and soldiers from across the region attending his funeral. His mother, Vijay Laxmi, had led the family in chanting “Rajveer Amar Rahe” (May Rajveer live forever), her voice trembling with emotion as she touched her son’s photograph for the last time. Her devotion to her son and her strength in the face of loss were sources of inspiration for all who knew her.

The Toll of Grief

The Chauhan family’s tragedy has sparked conversations about the psychological and physical toll that grief can exact, especially on elderly parents. According to psychologists, the loss of a child is one of the most traumatic experiences a parent can endure. The stress and heartbreak can manifest in physical symptoms, sometimes leading to serious health complications or even death.

Dr. Anjali Mehra, a Jaipur-based psychiatrist, explains, “The loss of a child can create a profound sense of emptiness and despair. For many parents, especially mothers, the bond is so deep that the shock can trigger acute stress responses, including heart attacks or strokes. It’s important for families and communities to provide emotional support and counseling in such times.”

Remembering the Fallen

The Kedarnath helicopter crash remains under investigation, but for the families of the victims, the pain is personal and immediate. The loss of Rajveer Singh Chauhan, followed so closely by the passing of his mother, is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of tragedy.

In the days following the accident, the Indian Army and civil authorities have offered condolences and assistance to the bereaved families. Senior officers have visited the Chauhan residence, offering words of comfort and honoring Rajveer’s service. The local community has rallied around the family, providing meals, emotional support, and practical help as they navigate this difficult time.

A Legacy of Courage

Despite their grief, the Chauhan family is determined to honor Rajveer’s memory. Lieutenant Colonel Deepika Chauhan has expressed her intention to continue her service in the army, drawing strength from her husband’s legacy. Friends and colleagues remember Rajveer as a dedicated officer, a loving husband, and a devoted son.

“Rajveer was the pride of our family,” said one relative. “He lived with honor, served his country, and brought joy to everyone around him. We will never forget him.”

The Importance of Support

As the Chauhan family comes to terms with their loss, experts stress the importance of community and institutional support for families dealing with bereavement. The army’s tradition of standing by its own has been a source of comfort, but the emotional scars will take time to heal.

“Grief is a journey, not a destination,” says Dr. Mehra. “Families need time, space, and understanding as they process their emotions. Rituals like the ‘terahvi’ are important for closure, but ongoing support is crucial.”

Conclusion: A Family’s Unbearable Loss

The story of Rajveer Singh Chauhan and his mother, Vijay Laxmi, is a heartbreaking chapter in the ongoing saga of sacrifice and resilience that defines so many Indian families. Their deaths, coming so close together, are a testament to the power of love and the devastation of loss.

As Jaipur mourns with the Chauhan family, one message rings clear: the bonds of family, service, and community are what sustain us in our darkest hours. May Rajveer and Vijay Laxmi’s souls rest in peace, and may their courage and devotion inspire generations to come.

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