Pravin Chitranash
“The credit for the victory in Kargil collectively goes to the martyrs, their families, army and political leadership and also the unity of the countrymen. The media also played a key role which cannot be ignored at all,” said Lt General (retd) Sayed Ata Hasnain while addressing Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration in Bhopal on July 26. He said the young generation, which is normally criticised for various reasons also, by participating in the war, proved that they are ready for any sacrifice for the nation. Felicitating Col (retd) OP Mishra who participated in the Kargil war and also the parents of martyr Devashish and Ajay Prasad, Shri Hasnain paid his respect to the martyrs and their families.
Narrating the experience of some Kargil martyrs including Kamlesh Pathak, Vikram Verma, Manoj Pande, Vikram Panikar, Kuldip Singh, Major Vivek etc, noted thinker and ideologue Shri Arun Kumar said the Kargil War was not an ordinary war, it was a litmus test because the temperature was below 25 degree and the height was over 18,000 ft. “The victory of Kargil is part of the glorious history of Indian army, which has now become an amargatha.
Many functions were held across the country to commemorate the success of “Operation Vijay” launched 17 years back on July 26, to regain possession of Kargil illegally occupied by Pakistan army celebration. Hyderabad unit of Balagokulam paid tribute to the Kargil heroes. Balagokulam, which is a movement for imparting samskaras among children and inculcating pride for the nation, conducted awareness drives in their respective areas involving children and parents. The children put up a breath taking performance at In Orbit Mall near Hitech City charging up the atmosphere full of patriotism. Children demonstrated amazing Yogchap (lezim) formation and dance with thrilling Vande Mataram song in the background, making the Mall visitors heart filled with emotions. The children representing PEBL City BG Centre were highly excited and thoroughly motivated the visitors. The event was also attended by Kargil war veteran PK Niyogi and Bagpiper Military Band.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the firmness demonstrated by the NDA Government in 1999 ensured a decisive victory in Kargil. “India will never forget the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers gave a befitting and unforgettable reply to the intruders,” he tweeted.
Makhanlal Chaturvedi Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya and Jammu Kashmir Study Centre organised a seminar in Bhopal the same day to discuss the issued concerning the national security. Lt General (retd) Ata Hasnain on this occasion stressed the need to counsel the family members of the youth in J&K who send their children to those people who do not know Islam at all. “In order to civilise the youth their family members hand over them to the people who do not know Islam at all. They (Mullahs) only poison their (youth) mind. Therefore, before counselling the misguided youth there is a dire need to counsell their family members,” he said.
Shri Arun Kumar said the influence of ISIS seems to be increasing in the South India whereas the Muslim population there is very less. Today the IS is seen active in the West, but tomorrow it may target India. But we are not clear what to do to combat the threat. He stressed that we should prepare ourselves for it effectively today only.
India Foundation director Shri Alok Bansal applauded the initiative of J&K Study Centre to awaken the nation. Prominent security experts including major general (retd) Shri R Sinha, former DG of State police Surendra Singh etc were also present on the occasion.
