Tribute from a grateful country to our real heroes

Nation's pride

It was a sacrifice every Indian is proud of. The pride was reinforced during a special tribute ‘Lest We Forget’, organised to commemorate martyrs of the unforgettable Kargil war in 1999. On the occasion of Kargil Diwas, people paid homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives and risked all for our safety. The evening brought alive the true spirit of patriotism that motivates our Army men to fight tough conditions and dedicate themselves in the service of the nation.

The huge national flag at Select City Walk Mall stood tall as the Chief Guest Tripta Thapar, mother of Captain Vijayant Thapar, Vir Chakra (posthumous), remembered her 22 year old son’s martyrdom. “The soldiers gave their today for our safer tomorrow. Do not feel hopeless and helpless with the problems of society. Principled real men will turn this into happiness,” she said. The ceremony also saw the launch of a book narrating unfathomable stories of heroism and bravery during the historic war.

The guest of honour, Air Commodore Anil Kumar Sinha, Vir Chakra (Retd) proudly recounted his experience of opening the first air-attack from our side during the war. “Martyrs fought to give a ray of hope and safeguard our country. This is a saga of courage. I can assure you the country is in safe hands.”

The energy and enthusiasm was palpable as patriotic songs and powerful dance performances perfectly set the mood for a memorable homage. An inspiration for many, Ability Unlimited Foundation presented a soulful dance on the famous track Dil dia hai jaan bhi denge, ae watan tere liye, sung by a visually challenged member Muraad. This was marked by an unending spirit of some other differently-able members who danced on their wheelchairs. While Shiamak Davar’s dance group proved their skill yet again, students of Delhi University’s AISEC organised a flash mob.

But it was sand artist Hari Krishna’s touching depiction of a soldier’s life and the journey through the Kargil battlefield to finally raise the Indian flag high above the hill that received the maximum appreciation and an unending applause. “I have a great respect for soldiers who devote their lives for our country. My art is the best way to express my gratitude towards them,” says the Hyderabad based artist.

The ceremony ended on a hopeful note with a pledge to maintain the sanctity of the nation and raise voice against any form of injustice.