An emotionally overwhelmed Dasture said Duragkar kept in touch with several of his teachers and frequently shared photographs and stories of his adventures. “He was in Operation Sindoor and even though no details were shared, we were proud of him for putting his life on the line for the country’s safety,” she said.For his batchmates too, the moment was difficult to process. Gathered at Duragkar’s residence, they struggled to come to terms with the news, unable to believe that their friend would never again greet them.Later, the group visited their old school and met principal Dasture and teachers. But very little was spoken.“Most of the time all kids sat silent, and we all kept wondering how this could happen. How can such a sweet kid be suddenly taken away from our midst,” said Dasture.Teachers and friends remembered Duragkar as a bright and cheerful student who enjoyed both studies and sports. “He was an above average student who always strove to improve himself,” recalled Dasture.She said it was around Class 9 that Duragkar had made up his mind to become a pilot. “And he also took the call that if he had to take to the skies, then it will be to protect the nation,” she said.With grief still hanging heavy in the air, not many were willing to speak. On TOI’s insistence, Dasture shared memories of a student she had watched grow up. “They are almost like our children. We see them as tiny tots in nursery and when they leave the campus they are filled with dreams,” she said, adding that Duragkar loved playing cricket.
