On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces at a solemn programme organised by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare at the State War Memorial, Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati. The event commemorated India’s decisive victory in the 1999 Kargil War and brought together veterans, serving personnel, civil administration officials, students and citizens to remember those who laid down their lives defending the nation.
The Governor began the ceremony by laying floral tributes at the memorial, calling Kargil Vijay Diwas “a solemn reminder of the indomitable spirit, valour and patriotism displayed by the Indian Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He said the sacrifices of the Kargil heroes continue to inspire generations to uphold courage, discipline and national service.
In his address, Governor Acharya urged young people to draw lessons from the lives of the fallen soldiers and to channel their energy into nation-building with dedication and commitment. “The selfless devotion of our soldiers is a beacon for every citizen,” he said, reaffirming that the nation will always be indebted to those who ensure the safety and security of the country.
The Governor interacted warmly with veterans, serving defence personnel and families of martyrs, listening to their stories and expressing the state’s gratitude for their sacrifices. As part of the programme he felicitated family members of Kargil heroes and martyrs: H/Fly Officer Thogiram Gogoi and Smt Dulu Prabha Gogoi (parents of Capt Jintu Gogoi, VrC), Thageswari Das (mother of Gunner Udhab Das), Bharati Saikia (wife of Nk Late Someswar Saikia, SC), Hiranya Gogoi (mother of Sep Late Rupom Gogoi, SC) and Dhal Kumari Shrestha (wife of Hav Late Padam Bahadur Shrestha).
Senior officers from the armed forces, defence veterans, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, students and members of the public participated in the tribute, joining hands in a collective act of remembrance. Governor Acharya also praised the Directorate of Sainik Welfare for organising the programme smoothly and for its ongoing work supporting ex-servicemen and their families.
The programme concluded with patriotic performances and a renewed pledge by attendees to uphold the values of national unity, integrity and service embodied by the Indian Armed Forces. The ceremonies at Dighalipukhuri served both as a tribute to the past and a call to future generations to remember and emulate the perseverance and courage
