Kargil Diwas: Remembering the Heroes

Respected Sir/Ma'am,
The following report -- released by the United News of India news agency on July 25, 2011 -- is for your kind perusal.
With regards
Abhi
DEFENCE-KARGIL ANNIVERSARY-EVE
Kargil anniv eve: Nation readies to remember the martyrs
Bhopal, July 25 (UNI) The worst fallout of war is that it reverses the course of nature, as fathers bury sons, and the heaviest burden in this world is a young man's corpse on an old father's shoulder.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas tomorrow, tributes will be paid at the District Sainik Board premises here to the indomitable courage of the nation's military officers and men who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
The District Ex-Servicemen's Welfare Officer has appealed to all ESM to take part in this function in large numbers. The programme will commence at 1130 hrs sharp.
Amongst all military actions since Independence, this conflict was not only the longest but the ferociousness brought about heavy casualties. As many as 527 personnel were martyred and 1,363 severely wounded. Four Param Vir Chakras were awarded, two posthumously and nine Maha Vir Chakras were awarded, six posthumously besides 55 Vir Chakras.
Operation Safed Sagar was the codename assigned to the Indian Air Force's sorties to support the ground troops during Op Vijay -- which witnessed successful dislodging of a well-entrenched enemy that had the tactical advantage of higher ground -- while Op Talwar referred to deployment of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea.
Among the lasting images of the conflict is the photograph of Army Medical Corps Captain Rajshree Gupta saluting the Tricolour-draped coffin of her husband Major Vivek Gupta, 2 Raj Rif (the Second Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment).
DEFENCE-KARGIL ANNIVERSARY-EVE TWO BHOPAL
On May 19, 1999, Mechanised Infantry officer Maj Ajay Prasad -- who was from the Madhya Pradesh capital -- fell fighting Pakistani regulars in Avantipur area of Kargil Sector. A local park was named after the martyr. Several households -- both military and non-military ones -- have appreciatively adopted the poignant ceremony of lighting candles at home in the past two years.
Citizens across India are requested to light a candle each at their residences' entrances and lay a marigold each by its side at 2000 hrs tomorrow after saying a prayer for those who did not come back. This may additionally be done at offices.
The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement appeals to media and the people of India to join in commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas to generate the spirit of Bharat. Chief ministers of all states and lieutenant-governors of Union territories are requested to observe the anniversary in a fitting manner.
"An anti-India strategy is an indelible part of the Pakistani mindset and generations of that country's military officers and civilians alike have been raised with it. At any point in the future, Pakistan will never stop short of exploiting any chink in the Indian armour to stage a Kargil-type offensive," a veteran told UNI.

The Kargil intrusion was "tactical lunacy but a strategic masterstroke" for Pakistan's General, later President, Pervez Musharraf as it brought the Kashmir issue centrestage with the backdrop of two South Asian nuclear neighbours.

Maharaja of Jaipur Bhawani Singh is dead

17/04/2011
Jaipur: Brig Sawai Bhawani Singh, the last titular maharaja of Jaipur, passed away at a private hospital in Gurgaon, his family said Sunday. He was 79.
In 1951, Bhawani Singh was commissioned into the Indian Army in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment as a second lieutenant. In 1954, he was selected for the Presidents' Bodyguard. In 1963, he was posted to the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade.
From 1964-1967, he was adjutant at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. In 1967, he volunteered for the new special forces unit and was posted to 10 Para Commando as second-in-command. The following year he became the elite unit's commanding Officer.
In 1970, he helped in training the "Mukti Bahini", the rebel army in Bangladesh against then Pakistani rule.
In 1970, after the death of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the president of India recognized him as the successor and ruler of Jaipur and a notification was issued for this.
During 1971 India-Pakistan war, he was awarded the second highest wartime gallantry award -- the Mahavir Chakra.
His unit, the 10 Para Commando, also received 10 gallantry awards for their action in the war. He took voluntary retirement in 1974.
When the Indian Army was in action in Sri Lanka in the 1980s, Bhawani Singh went to Sri Lanka at the request of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi to boost the morale of the soldiers.
For this the president of India bestowed upon him the rank of brigadier for life.
Bhawani Singh was also the first resident high commissioner to Brunei from 1993 to 1997. Source: IANS
Read more: Maharaja of Jaipur Bhawani Singh is dead

Curtains on Kargil Divas week ending 30 July 2010

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Good number of states and cities organised the Kargil Divas– each one did their best– they all deserve our congratulations. Many of the organisers spent weeks of sleepless nights to organise the functions on Kargil Divas.

I feel the major credit to set the ball rolling for Kargil Divas celebrations, well in time, goes to Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Governing Body IESM and Chief Coordinator of Kargil Divas functions.

On behalf of YOU ALL, ‘i’ congratulate Colonel RP Chaturvedi for this grand success of Kargil Divas in India and abroad.

With cooperation from YOU ALL, we will do still better in the coming years to educate Indian public about the sacrifices being done by the Indian Armed Forces and to make them realise the injustice the nation is doing to us all.

Two emails received from Col Chaturvedi are reproduced below.

I strongly recommend that all the veterans who spoke in schools, or gave speeches on Kargil Divas anywhere else, forward their lecture scripts and further suggestions to Col Chaturvedi rpchaturvediatgmaildotcom, for keeping records which will be shared with all future organisers of Kargil Divas.
Please do oblige.
JAI JAWAN
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

CURTAINS ON KARGIL DIVAS WEEK- DELHI POETREE FUNCTION 30 JULY
We have just returned from the function organized by Delhi Poetree at the American Centre, KG Marg, New Delhi.
A one and half hour of sheer listening joy.
Performed jointly by "Delhi Poetree" and "The Drum Circle", the alternating poetry, patriotic songs and captivating Drum beats kept the 200 audience enthralled. The finale' - ''Kargil' - a composition of mesmerizing drum beats and poetry narrating the scenes of the bloodiest battles during Kargil 99 had the audience join the drums with claps for at least 8-10 minutes. Deeply inspiring. It earned a standing ovation. What Magic.
Gen Satbir (Vice Chairman IESM) was requested on stage, to felicitate a fauji poet, Col Puran SIngh, who recited some of his very inspiring and interesting poems.
We thank Delhi Poetree, and the Drum Circle to have associated with the Kargil Divas activities, and above all, to the ever energetic and dynamic Mr Amit Dahiyabadshah, who made this possible.
This then brings down the curtains on Kargil Divas 2010. Auf Wiedersehen!!
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,

ISR AT MOHALI
Heartiest Congratulations General (Maj Gen RS Mehta, Mohali), on the ISR. I read your mail reproduced in Report My Signal. Deeply encouraging.

Such 'Continuous Education Programs' are indeed the right way, for spreading a larger awareness about intrinsic qualities of discipline, perseverance, initiative etc, so ingrained, and the reason for successful military functioning.

Through the base we have built up in schools during our interaction during the Kargil Divas, it is likely we would be able to organize more such periodic interactions, but at the very least these could be focussed around the Vijay and Kargil Divas commemorations. Its just as well that these events fall six months apart. Regularly done, it would be fruitful in bringing independent India's military history into the public psyche.
All the best in your ( OUR) future endeavors.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,

Congratulations for the tremendous success of Kargil Divas celebrations in India and abroad thanks to your own personal selfless devotion to the cause and unrelenting hardwork. Of course everyone helped to make the event memorable. But as the main organiser / coordinator, the bouquets are yours as would have been the brickbats.
My personal salaams and gratitude sir to you and to the rest of the IESM community.
Arun
(Cdr Arun Saigal)

KARGIL DIVAS
Thanks to the hearts and souls behind Delhi Poetree for remembering the martyrs and to Col Chaturvedi and Brig Kamboj for letting us know that there are people outside the military fraternity who still have their sense of gratitude in tact.
regards n bw
Maj Ravindran

The Value of Moral Courage

Courage is a highly admired virtue. Most often we associate the word with physical prowess or bravery. But there's another form of valour that's much more important because it comes up more often. It's called moral courage - the willingness to face not physical danger but emotional pain, disapproval, financial insecurity, or uncertainty rather than compromise an ethical principle.

Moral courage is essential not only for a virtuous life, but a happy one. Without courage, we have no control over our lives. Our fears corrode our spirit and confine us like a barbed wire fence. That's why they say a coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man but one.

Integrity is essential to self-esteem and the admiration of others. It requires us to put our comforts, possessions, friendships, and even jobs at risk in the defence of deeply held principles.

It takes moral fortitude to be honest at the risk of ridicule, rejection, or retaliation or when doing so may jeopardize our income or career. It takes boldness to be accountable and own up to mistakes when doing so may get us in trouble. It takes backbone to stand tough with our kids when doing so may cost us their affection.

Mark Twain said, 'Courage is not the absence of fear but the resistance of fear, the mastery of fear.' To paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the enemy is not what we fear; it is fear itself. If our insecurities and anxieties cause us to lose confidence in the power of virtue, we will lose something very precious.

People with moral courage rarely get medals, but it is the best marker of true character and a virtue others can be proud of.
The Value of Moral Courage
Related articles:
No Medals for Moral Courage By Brig NB Grant
The U.S. military gives no medals for moral courage by John T Reed

Function to honour our Param Veers on 26 Aug 2009

Dear Chander,
Could you kindly circulate this programme to all.
Netaji Subhash Bose- INA Trust organises such functions on a regular basis. This function was originally planned for 13 Aug 2009 but had to be postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

The function (Civic Reception for Param Veers of India) will now be held at FICCI Auditorium , Tansen Marg, New Delhi from 10-45 hrs to 13-00 Hrs on 26 Oct 2009. Three Param Veers in person, NOK of two Param Veers, One AC-1 from IAF and one Mahavir from the Navy will be honoured by a selected panel of eminent members of Delhi's Civil Society. Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC and several serving and former chiefs are also participating. A copy of the programme is as below.

We will be grateful if all those who wish to attend the functions could give me their email, Postal address and Tel No so that invitations can be sent. Those who have done so earlier need not repeat the effort.
Regards,
Brig RS Chhikara (Retd)
Gen Secretary

PROGRAMME FOR 26 October 2009
From/To/Event/By/ Time in minutes
10-45 to 11-20 Arrival and Tea
11-20 to 11-22 Bouquets & Lapel pins. Trust Ladies. 2
11-22 to 11-24 Lighting Lamp. Persons on Dais. 2
11-24 to 11-27 Vande Mataram. AIR Team. 3
11-27 to 11-32 Welcome Address. Trust Chairman. 5
11-32 to 11-37 Thematic Prelude. Dr Amit Mitra. 5
11-37 to 11-47 Valedictory Address. Chief Guest. 10
11-47 to 12-01 Stories of valour. 2 Awardees. 14
12-01 to 12-05 Saare Jahan Se Achcha. Song AIR Team. 4
12-05 to 12-19 Stories of valour. 2 Awardees. 14
12-19 to 12-23 Kadam Kadam Barhae Ja. Song AIR Team. 4
12-23 to 12-37 Stories of valour. 2 Awardees.14
12-37 to 12-41 Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo. Song AIR Team. 4
12-41 to 12-46 Address. Marshal of the Air Force. 5
12-46 to 12-51 Address. CM Haryana. 5
12-51 to 12-56 Address. CM Delhi. 5
12-56 to 13-00 Vote of Thanks. Gen Secy. 4
Total Time: 90 minutes

Candle Light for Kargil Martyrs

LETTER TO EDITOR By Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
IRRESPONSIBLE STATEMENT: KARGIL WAR
Dated: 18 Jul 2009
Dear Editor in Chief ..... ,
1. Rashid Ali, a congress MP, has made a statement on 15 Jul 2009 out side Parliament that Kargil War was the BJP War and therefore, BJP can celebrate it. Congress is not going to participate in it. It is a shocking statement which reveals a total bankruptcy of a feeling of National pride and what India stands for. 527 soldiers who sacrificed their lives besides 1000 who were seriously injured, did not do so for a particular political party. They did it for the Nation. Such an irresponsible statement from an elected representative of the people tantamounts to denigrating the Defence Forces and the sprit of sacrifice of a soldier for his Nation. Not only the Armed Forces but the Nation as a whole stands humiliated.

2. The erring MP owes an apology to the Nation for making such a damaging statement which carries seeds of nation’s doom. UPA Govt should automatically take it upon itself to reprimand its MP and to assure the nation that there is no such anti- national feeling taking roots in its constituents.

3. It is pertinent to mention that in the recent past there have been attempts willfully or otherwise to show the Defence Forces in poor light. It is difficult to fathom the reasons for this unless this is the handiwork of elements inimical to the interest of the country. We appeal to all political parties to refrain from any action or statement which is likely to affect the morale of the Defence Forces and harm National Interest.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Kargil victory doesn’t enthuse govt a decade on

Candle for Kargil Martyrs
26 July is the ‘Tenth Anniversary’ of Kargil War, where in 527 officers and men, many in their early twenties, performed the supreme sacrifice, and 1363 were wounded, some crippled for life. The nation lionised them for a short time but, alas there after they were almost forgotten.
On Kargil Vijay Divas, a grateful nation must salute these heroes and remind itself that the Indian Military have unfailingly risen to the challenges each and every time, including natural and man-made calamities, yet remaining least demanding. The Ex-Servicemen will be paying their homage to the Martyrs, holding medical and dental camps , pledging their organs and donating blood at various War Memorials across the country from 10 AM onwards on Kargil Divas (for Tricity of Chandigarh the event will be observed at Major Sankla War Memorial, Panchklula). Patriotic citizens must join the Veterans in doing the same. They must light a candle at their homes in the memory of those ‘who gave their yesterday for our tomorrow’.
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
Member Steering Committee,
Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement

The Kargil War

Copy of Kargil Divas pamphlet for circulation to whoever you wish to, is as above. Click on images for readable and print versions. These are being printed for wider circulation mainly to civilians when they participate with us in the various events in NCR. CDs of same are being despatched for local printing at other stations where events are being organized. For the artistic layout, I wish to acknowledge the tremendous hard work put in by Wg Cdr CK Sharma. Thanks CKS.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi (Retd)

Army Day in Pictures: 15 Jan 2009

Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor is showered with rose petals from a helicopter during Army Day celebrations in New Delhi, India, Thursday, January 15, 2009. (AP)

Army chief General Deepak Kapoor takes the salute at a parade showcasing the technological prowess and achievements of the 1.1 million-strong Indian Army. (PTI)

Indian Army officers look on at a display of Brahmos missiles during Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009.

The Indian Army's Bheeshma T-90 S/SK tank is displayed during the Army Day parade in New Delhi January 15, 2009. India on Thursday celebrated the 61st anniversary of the formation of its national army with soldiers from various regiments and artillery on display. (Reuters)
Military Photos

Half Boy Half Man: A Jawan's Creed

I m enclosing a mail sent by none other than the chairman of Thapar Group, a business magnate who is among the top 10 business icons. He has sent the following message to his entire organisation for his employees to read and respond.
Commodore HA Gokhale

Half Boy Half Man
The average age of the army man is 23 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer in the capital of his country, but old enough to die for his country.

He's a recent school or college graduate; he was probably an average student from one of the Kendriya Vidyalayas, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a rickety bicycle, and had a girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip- hop or bhangra or gazals and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 5 or 7 kilos lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting the insurgents or standing guard on the icy Himalayas from before dawn to well after dusk or he is at Mumbai engaging the terrorists. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs trenches and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. His pride and self-respect, he does not lack. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of combat dress: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his water bottle full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own wounds. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands He can save your life- or take it, because he's been trained for both. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed to do so.

He feels every note of the Jana Gana Mana vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hands from their pockets, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.

Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is your nation's Fighting Man that has kept this country free and defended your right to Freedom. He has experienced deprivation and adversity, and has seen his buddies falling to bullets and maimed and blown. And he smiles at the irony of the IAS babu and politician reducing his status year after year and the unkindest cut of all, even reducing his salary and asking why he should get 24 eggs a week free! And when he silently whispers in protest, the same politician and babu aghast, suggest he's mutinying!

Wake up citizens of India! Let's begin discriminating between the saviours of India and the traitors.
Ravi

Remembering 1962 debacle

Terrain
The Karpola (16,000 feet) and Hatungla (18000) Pass, the three rivers Towang Chu, Nayamjang Chu and Namka Chu are intimately connected with the trials, tribulations and travails of Seven Brigade Troops during Op Leghorn.

Motivation
Pushed and prodded relentlessly, threatened ruthlessly with a long stick, Seven Brigade staggered into the valley of River Namkachu, struggling up the formidable Karpola pass, only to face the massive Chinese build up across the River Namkachu on the Thagla ridge. The men bereft of equipment, heavy weapons, mines, barbed wire, digging implements, rations, ammunition, snow clothing. Ill equipped either to take an offensive action against the Chinese or take effective defensive positions and more importantly without a cause and motivation to fight.

Valley of death
The valley deceptively serene all this time suddenly bared its fangs on 20th October 1962 and turned into the valley of death.A valley of death for those who perished on that fateful day strung along the river line. For those herded across, to languish in the prisoner of war camps. It was worse still for those mortally wounded, lying unattended in the valley, on the riverbank, up the slopes, life slowly draining out, without food, water or medical aid, in abject misery, unbearable pain. With no one to provide succour and no hope, they could only wish for a quick and early merciful end.

Haunting question
Those who did manage to escape from the valley of River Namka Chu on 20th /21st some, had to once again negotiate the Karpola pass, others the Hatungla pass, cross the river Nayamjang Chu near Shakti over a half demolished rope bridge and finally the River Towang Chu on the night of 23rd into the uncertain safety of Bhutan. Survivors who managed to crawl out also did not return intact, losing their pride and self respect in the process. All that they brought out was vision of comrades dead and dying, a nightmare which refuses to go even after more than 40 years. The eternal unanswered question still haunting why were we sent in and why the manner in which we were sent in?

Valley of no return
The Valley of River Namka Chu was indeed the 'Valley of No Return' for all those who had ventured into it. Equally for those who perished and also those who survived. The Seven Brigade Signals was deployed with the brigade at Towang the HQ of Keming Frontier Division of Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA). It also moved forward, consequent to the Sino- Indian conflict starting 8th September 1962, along with the brigade.

Travails
The less told story 'Letters from the Border' pertains to The Seven Brigade Signal Section, for the simple reason that the author was involved in the trails and travails of the Section from the beginning to end, the other 'Less Told Stories' are equally relevant and pertinent in bringing out the devotion to duty, unquestioning obedience and feelings of those who did not form part of the decision making loop of the higher echelons of military or of those who had political compulsions and priorities to keep and maintain.

Brig Lakshman Singh, VSM (Retd)

Indomitable Spirit of a Brave Soldier

Two weeks ago, I was invited to participate in the Founder's Day Celebrations of Peevees Public School at Nilambur, near Calicut in Kerala. I took that opportunity to go and look up my friend Brig PT Gangadharan who lives in Calicut and has been sending some very lovely pictures and quips which I have been forwarding them to my friends.

What I saw there, touched my heart. Gangadharan was commissioned in the Brigade of the Guards in 1971 and when he was commanding a Brigade in the valley, he was shot at by insurgents in Mar 2000. In the gun battle which ensued, he slipped and fell into a deep ravine. The fall damaged his spine and he is now paralyzed below his chest. Despite his near total disability, he is neither bitter nor helpless. He has learnt to use the computer and keeps himself occupied, picking up some of the nicest pieces from the Internet. With literally no support from any one, he sends his selection to more than 300 friends. The list is growing.

As one sits with him and his wife, one is filled with admiration for the indomitable spirit of this brave soldier. His motto in life is

"NEVER LOOK DOWN ON ANY ONE EXCEPT TO HELP HIM"

Wishing you all the very best for the New Year!

Maj Gen Surjit Singh
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brig Ganga writes

1. Thank you for placing my details in Signals blog.
2. It is kind of Gen Surjit to have taken the pains to visit me at Calicut and thereafter sending the letter. I am not a hero as you say but an ordinary soldier. There is a little factual error in the case. I was commanding a Brigade on the LoC and therefore the firing was from across the border, in the form of speculative fire, prevalent in border locations. My injury is as result of a fall for over 200 meters.
3. Thank you once again for placing my details in the Signal blog.

With best wishes and regards,
PT Gangadharan
Brig (Retd)
Date: 01 Jan 2008

IC-25067 2/Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC, Posthumous

Date: 16 December 1971

Place of Action: Jarpal, Shakargarh Sector

Commissioned: 13 June 1971 (six months before the action)

Unit: 17th Poona Horse

Date and Place of Birth: 14 October 1950, Pune, Maharashtra

Son of Brig M L Khetrapal (Retd)

Full Story of his heroic deeds visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arun_Khetarpal

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Khetarpal.html

http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/india/medals/PVC/PVC13.html

http://www.sanawar.com/defence.htm

http://forums.sulekha.com/forums/coffeehouse/Valour-has-no-borders-2nd-LtArun-Khetrapal-PVC.htm