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. Shershah of Kargil – Captain Vikram Batra’s valour is legendary, as he made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation during Kargil War. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pointed out that he had privilege to visit Kargil at that time. He said, “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 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 Army ‘Jine Jeet Nahi Wekhi 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 Batalik 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 Prime Minister Narendra 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 soldiers and their families for ensuring the safety of fellow countrymen will always be remembered with gratitude. Indian Armed forces won Kargil war without violating any international norms. Youth and students should draw inspiration from soldiers of Indian Army who laid down their lives in the Kargil war in 1999 while safeguarding the nation. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us remember and salute this heroic warrior who laid down his life fighting to protect nation and its people.
