By: Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
A soldier never dies. His blood makes the grass green for his children – Carol Berg
26th July day is observed as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s victory. This day was declared as Vijay Divas, and the way in which the Indian Armed Forces fought the war and tried to ensure that it did not escalate into a nuclear conflict, has been acclaimed the world over. Twenty-three years ago on this day, the Indian soldiers pushed back Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country’s Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks in Kargil. They remind us how our brave soldiers sacrificed their lives while defending the nation. The Sher Shah of Kargil – Captain Vikram Batra’s valour is legendary. Captain Batra made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation during Kargil War. Kargil war was a very difficult time that our country went through.
Furthermore, it was a crisis situation that ensued a feeling of nationalism, patriotism, and unity among every Indian. The tension between India and Pakistan is not hidden from anyone. This is the reason that wars are often seen between India and Pakistan from time to time, the wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971 give evidence of this.
PM Modi had pointed out that he had the privilege to visit Kargil at that time and said that, “The entire world witnessed the strength and valour of India’s brave forces. At that time, I too had the privilege of visiting Kargil and witnessed the bravery of our soldiers. That is one of the most precious moments of my life.”
The Nation, hopefully remembers the 400 plus martyrs for laying down their lives in the service of their Nation, in the true spirit of “laying down their today for our tomorrows. It has been 23 years since the Kargil war, but the memory of the bloodshed remains fresh in the minds of the brave soldiers, who responded to the call of duty and defended the country’s borders, and their families. Kargil Vijay Diwas has been named after the success of Operation Vijay. As India celebrates Kargil Divas and pays homage to martyrs of the war, it is time to recall the significant role of air power that actually tilted the balance in Operation Vijay,
It is both a pride inducing moment and a prick in the hearts of the soldiers who valiantly fought for our nation. As India prepares to hold a memorial service for the martyrs, there are certain facts that we must all know about the historic day. With its significant war footage, Kargil was the first Indo-Pak War that impacted public opinion through mass media coverage. Every patriotic Indian’s heart swells with pride at the bravery of our jawans in evicting Pakistani Northern Light Infantry and a few terrorists from the inhospitable Kargil heights. One hopes India’s strategic planners have built in & have planned for more robust scenario’s to face inevitable, future threats. Kashmiri Pandits all over the world are grateful to these warriors and brave sons of the land for defending the Kashmiri Pandit homeland “MAEJ KASHEER” (MOTHER KASHMIR). There is an old saying in Punjabi’s Army “Jine jeetna hiwe khi usay jeetna kaun sikhayega.” Loosely translated it means that if one has not seen victory, how can you teach them to win a war. Its pride and pain for the soldiers as the nation celebrates the anniversary of the war victory against Pakistan. India continuously stepped up attack against Pakistan and ended up recapturing two key positions in Batalic sector.
Modi said that what Indians say in the event of a war has a profound effect on the morale of a soldier deployed at the borders, as well as his family back home. Modi reminded citizens to not forget this fact. In the words of PM Modi, there is no doubt that “Kargil Vijay Diwas’ will rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. The sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families for ensuring the safety of fellow countrymen will always be remembered with gratitude. The Kargil victory was a travel for the Indian Armed forces as they conducted the war without violating any international norms. Youth and students should draw inspiration from soldiers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives in the Kargil war in 1999 while safeguarding the country.
The sacrifices and valour of the soldiers and leaders remain unmatched in military history. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us remember and salute this heroic warrior who laid down his life fighting to protect his nation and his fellow countrymen. Youth and students should draw inspiration from soldiers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives in the Kargil war in 1999 while safeguarding the country. (The author can be reached at dixitpatrakar@yahoo.in)
