Today is the 19th anniversary of the day that the Indian Army officially declared a successful end of the Kargil War. It was on 26th July 1999 that the Kargil mission ended with Pakistani intruders and militants successfully being driven out of Kargil; a day that we observe today as Kargil Diwas or Vijay Diwas. Solemn and heartfelt tributes for our bravehearts today tell us more about a significant portion of modern Indian history:
The high outposts of Kargil were infiltrated by Pakistani troops as well as militants making incursions into Indian territory. Key points were captured to give the infiltrators an advantage in the conflict. However the Indian army was able to identify those points of incursion with the help of local shepherds.
We don’t often think about the men who stoically stand guard at our borders in fair weather and foul. On Kargil Diwas we all take a moment to remember, recognize and give thanks to our soldiers.
The Indian army in conjunction with the Indian Air Force, the Border Security Force and other agencies carried out coordinated operations during the period of conflict.
Various thinkers and leaders, sportspersons and entertainers have taken the opportunity to express their views about the sort of sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make.
As per the tradition followed each year, this year as well, each of the three chiefs of staff – of the army, navy and air force along with the Defence Minister paid their tribute to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
While many forward inspirational messages on the occasion of Kargil Divas, sand artist Padma Shri Sudarshan Pattnaik created this sand sculpture to honour the Indian soldier.
The Kargil hero who inspired a generation – Capt Vikram Batra said these words; words that have now become immortal; telling their own story of courage in the most dangerous of situations.
One of the key strategic locations that was recaptured by Indian forces during the Kargil War is Tiger Hill. It was an altercation of epic proportions; a story told in more than one Hindi movie as well.
This reminds us how precious and hard-won Indian freedom is; how we must all strive to protect and uphold all that Indian democracy stands for; all that the soldier strives to protect.
Major D P Singh, is a Kargil survivor and India's first amputee marathoner. This year as well, he renewed his pledge to make this nation a better place by helping people become more broadminded and compassionate towards each other.
The story goes that the then Pak PM Nawaz Sharif had said that Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon was his favourite. So while our soldiers are undoubtedly courageous it cannot be said that they lack a sense of humour!
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