‘He was generous, taught us English’

Kulbhushan Jadhav’s childhood friend says they will do anything to get him back from Pakistan, family reluctant to talk about him

Indian government has promised to go to any extent to bring Kulbhushan Jadhav back from Pakistan. His friends have said that they will, too.

A few of the retired naval officer’s childhood friends from Parel have come together to press for his freedom. They remember him as a good student and a generous friend.

Tulsiram Pawar, Jadhav’s childhood friend, shared some of his old pictures from 20 years ago, which were taken when Jadhav lived in Parel. He told HT that they lived in opposite buildings and played together. “He was very studious and used to teach us English,” he said. He added that Jadhav was good at studies and sports, which secured him admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA).

Jadhav’s family is reluctant to speak to the media. His uncle Subhash Jadhav, who retired as an assistant commissioner of police in Maharashtra, told HT, “Please understand that this is a trying time for the family, so I cannot comment.” When asked if he was happy with the government’s efforts to bring his nephew back, Subhash said, “The newspapers and TV channels have already narrated the developments. I have nothing much to say.”

Jadhav studied at King George School at Dadar and later went to Ruia college, before being admitted to the NDA in Pune.

The officer had always wanted to start a business of his own and spoke less of his profession, said Pawar. “He always told us that he will get us on board when he came up with something, but was arrested in Pakistan before fulfilling any of his dreams,” he said.

He added, “Kulbhushan was very helpful and always there when someone needed him. I remember how he once helped a woman in the locality, who needed immediate medical attention. She had no one to help her and Kulbhushan, who was at home for his holidays, rushed to her aid with doctors. Even after they shifted to Powai he was in touch with us.”

The friends are drafting a petition demanding Kulbhushan’s release, which they plan to submit to the governor. They said that they will do everything to bring their friend back.

“We are meeting political parties and local leaders for help. We are also trying to meet the foreign minister and prime minister,” he said. “All we want is for Kulbhushan to come back safely from Pakistan,” Pawar said

Jadhav’s family lives at in Powai. For other residents – who have all refused to speak to the media – journalists outside the main gate has now become a common sight. The Mumbai police have deployed eight police officials there for security.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on April 10.