JOIN USThis year marked the 15th anniversary of Kargil War and on this occasion a special programme was organised in Central Park, Connaught place, recently. During the event, the city commemorated the valour of those who fought the war of 1999 and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
An initiative by Citizens for Forces, an NGO, the Central Park came alive with performances by singer Shamsher Mehndi and Sufi band Panchtarni which brought alive the patriotic feeling amongst all. Amongst the audience, there were also retired and serving armed forces officers.
Commemorating this day was not only about celebrating the valour and victory of the soldiers, but also taking time out to think about war veterans and families of war heroes who died on the battlefield. The evening also highlighted the fact that how the heroes should be remembered and given their due.
Among the key people present through the evening was Tiger Hill hero Brigadier Khushal Thakur, who was the commanding officer of 18 Grenadiers that won both Tiger Hill and Tololing Pass. Also present was Colonel Anil Kaul, a Vir Chakra awardee who had sustained 80 per cent disability including a
damaged eye.
When asked what brought her to this event at Central Park, Poonam Sethi said, “We must not forget our commitments and support towards our soldiers. It is because of them that we are protected and safe.”
“We have been wanting to host an evening like this for several years, taking this day outside newsrooms and actually to people, to make them mark it on their calendar and remember the bravery of the soldiers in the history of this country. I am glad we got the necessary support to start this and I promise to mark this day with something special, annually,” said, Ankit Gupta, the organiser.