Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the successful Operation Vijay, is celebrated in India on 26th July. On this date in 1999 India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistan. The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days, ended on 26th July and resulted in loss of life on both the sides.India lost 527 bravehearts in Kargil War.
This day is dedicated to all the bravehearts who sacrificed their life to protect our nation.
April 13, 2024 – Team DESH, organized a historical event to honoring the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces, proudly commemorating the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The event held at the heart of Kolkata, saw a huge gathering and response from the civilians, bringing together the esteemed guests, veterans, and the families of martyred soldiers to paid homage to the heroes of the Kargil War.
The event was graced by distinguished guests of honors including:
Colonel Joy Dasgupta,Sena Medal – the then Major who served valiantly in the Kargil War. His presence and vivid experience he shared with the esteemed gathering gave an inspiring perspective of the Kargil War and the wars before.
Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, PVC – One of the three living legends of Param Vir Chakra Awardees and the then Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, shared their experiences of Kargil War and the moments after the war too. He insisted that the winning of war was not an one man show but a team work, and some successfully won death, while some others won the sacrifice.
On 4 July 1999, as a member of the 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, Sanjay Kumar the leading scout of a team tasked to capturing Area Flat Top, during the Kargil War. The area was held by Pakistani troops. Having scaled the cliff, the team was pinned down by machine gun fire from an enemy bunker, about 150 meters away.
Kumar, realizing the magnitude of the problem and the detrimental effect this bunker would have in the capture of Area Flat Top, crawled alone up to the ledge, along a flank, and charged towards the enemy bunker through a hail of automatic fire. Almost instantly he took two bullets in his chest and forearm that left him bleeding profusely.
Though bleeding from the bullet wounds, he continued the charge towards the bunker. In hand-to-hand fighting, he killed three enemy soldiers. He then picked up an enemy machine gun and crept towards the second enemy bunker. The enemy soldiers, taken completely by surprise, were killed by him as they fled their post. Inspired by his act the rest of the platoon also charged, assaulted the feature and captured the Area Flat Top.
In February 2022, he received the rank of Subedar Major and is posted at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla near Pune.
Rifleman Sanjay Kumar picked up the UMG and killed the fleeing enemy. The brave action on his part motivated his comrades to charge on to the enemy and capture area Flat Top. For exhibiting an act of indomitable courage and gallantry of the highest order, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
His presence added an extra flair at that historical event.
Bivas Roy Choudhury – From Indian Air Force, shared his insights and experiences, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the armed forces during the conflict.
In addition to these guests of honours, the event witnessed soldiers from 2 Rajputana Rifles and 18 Grenadiers, two of the bigger units that fought Kargil War. Also, families of soldiers killed in action – Captain Anirban Bandopadhyay and Major Joydeep Chatterjee were honoured in the event.The presence of the family of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Abhijit Ray and family instilled the spirit of patriotism to the soldiers.
The event that started with Vande mataram song by kids was followed by lighting of lamp and the talks by Veer Families and the guests of honours.
With fifteen like minded core team members, Team DESH functions across the country in upholding the honour of the soldiers.
(With inputs from Indian Army)
(Author is a Senior Journalist working for British Media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and National media awards for Journalism)
