Kargil Diwas: Homage to Kargil Martyrs

"Citizens’ Society of India"
Kargil Vijay Shradhanjali Kalash started moving from Kanyakumari, Southern tip of India, on 21st July 09 on its journey to Delhi by road and rail on the shoulders of Volunteers of "Citizens’ Society of India" as a mark of True Salute and Respect to our Great Soldiers martyred in Kargil War. Volunteers are true Indians drawn from various walks of life, their only concern being Nation, and Love to the Great Nation. They had keenly been celebrating Kargil Divas for the last nine years; and this, the 10th anniversary of Kargil War, an occasion to specially remind the people of the Country. The Kalash contains waters from twenty one holy Rivers of India from North to South. At Delhi, the Kalash is to be handed over to the Chief of the Army Staff on 26th July. By then the Kalash would have traversed the country though Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana & Delhi. There after the Team of Kargil Kalash will move to Drass Sector and, at the Kargil Memorial, the Kalash will rest.

National Spirit, enthusiasm & get going attitude of this Organization would/ should inspire thousands from among the communities throughout the journey of the Kalash.

On 22nd of July, at their Bangalore HQ (Citizens’ Society of India), thousands thronged to pay tributes. A total surprise to the Sub Committee of Rastriya Sainik Smaraka, we quickly arranged a function at the Smaraka Site to felicitate the Kalasha and participants. Kalash was brought in, duly escorted by service motorcycle outriders, ( thanks to the local Army & Air Force Commanders ) into a freshly erected, flower bedecked, canopy over the foundation stone. Past Loka Ayukta, Justice (retd) Venkatachalaiah, Soldiers, Airmen & Sailors (who carried the Kalash), President and officials of the Society (Citizens’ Society of India) and all present (including veterans Air Cmde Chandrasekhar, Brig Rangachary, Col Rajan) offered floral tributes. The function was well covered by the Press. Then the Convoy moved to Vidhana Soudha (seat of power) where Cabinet Ministers and other dignitaries offered tributes to the Kalasha. A short speech by Air Cmde Chandrasekhar (retd) emphasizing the need to enthuse/involve the community and youth on such occasions, followed by chanting of the National Anthem added value to the ceremony. Military precision glorified the proceedings.

Kalasha moved thereafter to their HQ (Citizens’ Society of India). Functions continued till 8 PM with effective participation of the smaraka sub-committee, at Bangalore City Railway Station where thousands had gathered to see off the Kalasha.
A short notice call alone could be made to local ESM community of Bangalore.

It is hoped at Delhi and at other places ESM community would join and encourage the Organization in spreading awareness among the People of India on their " Debt of Honor ". Nodal Members of IESM are being informed by Col (retd) SS Rajan to lend support to this August Movement and add / derive strength from people of the country, the community who are not yet adequately exposed to National Security Psyche, sans age old emotional sentiments. The veterans, the Militarized segment of the Community, does seem to have a role to enthuse and indoctrinate our country men.
Jai Hind.
Veteran Sreedhar.
Lt Col GV Sreedhar (Retd)