On April 22, 2025, a serene family vacation in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, turned into a nightmare for the Kalathiya family from Surat. Shailesh Kalathiya, a 44-year-old bank manager, was among the victims of a brutal terror attack in the Baisaran meadow. This article pays tribute to his life, recounts the tragic incident, and echoes the calls for justice from his grieving family.
👨👩👧👦 A Family Man and Dedicated Professional
Shailesh Kalathiya served as a manager at the State Bank of India in Mumbai. Known for his dedication and professionalism, he was also a loving husband to Shital and a devoted father to their two children. The family had embarked on a much-anticipated vacation to Kashmir, seeking to create cherished memories amidst the picturesque landscapes.
🏞️ The Tragedy at Baisaran Meadow
While enjoying the scenic beauty of Baisaran meadow, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland,” the Kalathiya family’s peaceful outing was shattered. Terrorists launched a sudden attack, targeting tourists in the area. Shital recounted the harrowing experience:
“We had just reached Mini Switzerland when the firing started. It happened twice, and after the second shot, everyone started running. They surrounded us and asked the Hindu men to separate from the Muslim men… Everything just happened in a second.”
Tragically, Shailesh was among those who lost their lives in the attack.
💔 A Family’s Grief and Outcry
In the aftermath, Shital Kalathiya voiced her anguish and frustration over the lack of security measures:
“What kind of a government do we have? You are defaming Kashmir, but there is no problem with Kashmir, the problem is with our government’s security arrangements. There was not a single military man present at the tourist spot in Pahalgam, which had a large number of tourists, and there were no medical facilities either.”
Her sentiments highlight the perceived negligence in ensuring the safety of tourists in the region.
🧒 A Child’s Traumatic Memory
Naksh, Shailesh’s young son, provided a chilling account of the incident:
“As we were hungry, we went to have food. Suddenly, the noise of firing bullets started as everyone started running here and there to save their lives. My mother stayed with my father and asked us to go down. The terrorists separated the males based on religion and killed them. The terrorists were wearing a cap with a camera fixed on it.”
Such firsthand accounts underscore the brutality of the attack and its lasting impact on survivors.
🕯️ The Final Journey
Shailesh’s mortal remains were brought back to Surat, where a large gathering, including political leaders and community members, paid their respects. The funeral procession witnessed an outpouring of grief and solidarity, reflecting the profound loss felt by all who knew him.
📢 A Call for Accountability
The Kalathiya family’s ordeal has sparked widespread discussions about the adequacy of security protocols for tourists in conflict-prone areas. Their demand for justice serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that authorities bear in safeguarding citizens.
🕊️ Honoring a Life Lost Too Soon
Shailesh Kalathiya’s untimely demise is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of ensuring safety for all. As we remember him, let us also reflect on the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future.
