Gopinath Moharana, a driver-soldier fell victim to enemy bullets while driving an artillery van of the Army in the Kargil sector on May 19, 1999. Gopinath was among the first to die in the Kargil sector but went unsung.

The 22-year-old martyr joined the Army as a driver-soldier in February, 1994 and underwent training in Bangalore, from where he was transferred to Jhansi and then to Kashmir.

``We have lost our backbone. But we will continue to live for the rest of our lives with the satisfaction that our son has died for the country,'' say Gopinath's aged parents -- Jadumani and Jhumuri. But, what is unforgiving for them is the attitude of the State Government, which is yet to acknowledge the sacrifice of the war hero.

A pampered child, Gopinath was keen on joining the Army since his days in the Chitrotpola High School. He waswaiting for an opportunity and the moment he got an offer from the Army, nothing could stop him.

He threatened to leave home if he was not allowed to join the Army, recalls Gopi's aunt Dhubuni Moharana (60) who brought him up as a baby and later adopted him.

On May 5, a fortnight before he died, Gopi had written a letter to his parents, eagerly asking for news on his mother's health, and promised to come back.

Gopi did come home but lying inside a coffin. His body reached on May 22 accompanied by his soldier friend Mukund Dev Behera. The entire village was shocked.

The village wanted to bid him a hero's farewell, but rain played spoilsport. He was buried on the banks of river Chitrotpola.

Besides losing a son, Gopinath's death has forced his family to the brink of starvation as he was the sole bread-earner of the family.``I have already exhausted my lifetime earnings in the marriage of two daughters, besides Gopi's education. How will I bring up my two sons at this age,'' asks Jadumani.

Jadumani'srepeated attempts to meet the Chief Minister went in vain.``I went to him thrice, but the Chief Minister's men told me to come after the Laxmipur elections,'' he laments, adding, ``Shall I have to run after these people to tell that may son has sacrificed his life for the country?''

Gopinath's younger brothers Ramakanta (18) and Gurucharan (14) are studying in Chitrotpola High School. Although uncertain of continuing their education, both brothers want to become soldiers and join the Army.

Financial difficulties have failed to lower the morale of the family. ``I am ready to send my sons to the frontier,'' asserts the martyr's mother.