'I want to be a soldier too,' young boy's heartfelt letter to the army goes viral

KOZHIKODE: Ryan, a third standard student, could not contain his excitement when he saw the army rescuing victims of the disaster at Chooralmala. Inspired by their bravery, he wrote a letter to the army, expressing his desire to become a soldier: "I want to be a soldier too." The army replied warmly, "You are welcome, son."

In the midst of the calamity, the letter and its reply, reflecting admiration for the army and patriotism, went viral across the country.

Ryan is a student at Vellayikode AMLP School on the banks of the Chaliyar River in Perumanna, Kozhikode. He is the son of Shabid Ali and Jesna, who live in Vellayikode Palliyode. Jesna is a teacher at the same school.

Ryan, who avidly follows the news in newspapers and on TV, wrote the letter after witnessing the army building a bridge. His letter read:

'I am Ryan. I was very happy to see you rescuing people trapped by landslides in Wayanad. I was proud to see a video of the army building a bridge with only biscuits and water. I will also become an army officer and save the country. Big salute...'

The letter was sent to the Southern Commandant through a friend of Ryan's father who had assisted in the bridge construction. The military replied on X, saying, 'Ryan, proud to read your letter. We benefit from heroes like you. Waiting for the day you join us. Let us be proud of our country.'