Celina Jaitly’s Heartfelt Tribute: “Families Serve Too, Just Without Medals”
Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly shares emotional Army Day note for her detained brother, honoring unsung family sacrifices.
Bollywood Actress and former Miss India Celina Jaitly has penned a deeply moving note on Army Day, paying tribute to her brother, retired Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 2024. In her heartfelt message, she highlighted the invisible burdens borne by families of soldiers, stating, “Families serve too, just without medals.” The post, shared amid ongoing legal efforts to secure his release and communication, underscores the emotional toll on loved ones left behind while servicemen face challenges far from home.
Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, a veteran of the Indian Army’s elite 3 Para Special Forces, has been held in UAE custody for over 16 months on alleged national security grounds. Details of the charges remain unclear, with UAE authorities providing limited information. Celina has repeatedly described the detention as an “abduction” followed by prolonged incommunicado periods, expressing profound worry about her brother’s health, given his prior service-related injuries. She last spoke to him in August 2024, and the family has struggled with restricted access, including through UAE’s TAMM app.
Celina’s campaign has gained traction through the Delhi High Court, where she filed a petition seeking consular assistance, legal representation, and family contact. The court directed the Ministry of External Affairs to appoint a nodal officer, facilitate communication, and provide updates. Recent hearings have seen progress, including orders for lists of accredited UAE lawyers and in-camera proceedings to protect privacy. Despite consular visits, Celina claims substantive support has been inadequate, amplifying calls for stronger diplomatic intervention similar to past cases involving Indian nationals abroad.
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The emotional note resonates beyond personal grief, drawing attention to the broader sacrifices of military families. Celina, whose late father was a decorated Colonel, emphasized how veterans and their kin contribute silently to the nation without formal recognition. Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind uniformed service, urging greater awareness and action to support those affected by such detentions.
As the case continues in court, Celina remains resolute in her fight. She vows not to stop until her brother returns safely to Indian soil, blending personal anguish with a call for justice. Supporters and netizens have rallied behind her, amplifying the message that honoring soldiers includes safeguarding their families too.
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