A year after the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including that of Lt Vinay Narwal, his family in Karnal continues to grapple with an irreparable loss, drawing strength from each other while resolving to carry forward his legacy.For the Narwal family, every day since April 22, 2025, has been a struggle to cope.Vinay’s father, Rajesh Narwal, a superintendent in the GST Department in Panipat, has emerged as the pillar of support for the family. Holding back his emotions, he continues to stand strong for his wife, children and aged parents. “Neither time can heal it nor can anybody forget it forever,” he says in a heavy voice.His mother Asha Narwal has faced declining health since her son’s death. The family believes Vinay’s martyrdom is not just a personal loss but a tragedy for the nation.Rajesh Narwal acknowledges the government’s response, including Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, but maintains that real justice lies in eliminating terrorism altogether. “A tribute and justice to us and humanity will only be after terrorism is finished from the world,” he says.Recalling Vinay’s birth on May 1, 1998, when he was posted in Diu, Rajesh adds, “We cannot forget him. He is in our breath. He started walking while holding my finger. It is painful for a father that his son died before him. His death is not only painful for us but also a loss to the nation. This pain will remain with us till our lives.”The tragedy has deeply altered the family’s life. Rajesh admits he lost confidence after losing his son. “I had made a list of over 30 works before Vinay’s marriage, but after his death I am yet to do them. I cannot cope with the incident. We try to keep ourselves busy. His daughter Shrishti has begun preparing for the UPSC and pursuing a PhD,” he says.Vinay’s wife Himanshi now lives with her parents in Gurugram and has resumed work.Even amid grief, the family is determined to honour Vinay’s memory in meaningful ways. Rajesh reiterates his commitment to donate the government compensation and Vinay’s share in family property if used for public welfare projects in his name. “I promised it earlier and I stand by my words.”He fondly remembers Vinay’s cheerful nature, positivity and dreams of building a family, even recalling small details like the challenge of finding shoes for his unusually large feet. “He had made plans for his future, but destiny had something different,” he says.Seeking purpose in remembrance, the family now plans to continue social initiatives in his name. “We want to keep ourselves busy to take his legacy ahead. We want to work for mankind,” Rajesh says, adding that they will organise blood donation camps on his birthday, as they did last year.