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United News of India
10-06-2025
- General
- United News of India
Indian Army honours families of Kargil bravehearts
New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) As part of a series of events spanning nearly one and a half months to commemorate the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Army on Tuesday honoured the families of 65 bravehearts, including Captain Vijayant Thapar (Vir Chakra), by visiting their homes and paying tribute to their supreme sacrifice during the war. Marking the solemn occasion, the Army stated that this initiative is a heartfelt tribute to the families of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. By personally visiting the homes of the martyrs, the Army aims to remind citizens of the unmatched courage and devotion displayed by these valiant soldiers in service of the nation. The Army said that army officers visited Captain Thapar's residence in Noida and met his parents and honoured them by giving a letter of thanks and a memento. Army officers also honoured the families of more than 60 other bravehearts across various parts of the country. This included the wife of Rifleman Anusuya Prasad (Vir Chakra) in Delhi, the wife of Havildar Basti Ram in Jaipur, the parents of Lance Naik Gurmel Singh in Kurukshetra, the wife of Naik Anand Singh in Vaishali Nagar, Rajasthan, and the family of Havildar Hari Om (Sena Medal) in Dehradun. On the occasion, the Army expressed its deep respect and solidarity with the families, stating, 'It is our duty and sentiment to assure them that the sacrifice of our brave soldiers has not been in vain. The families of our martyrs are not alone — the Indian Army is their family, and we stand with them always.' The Army's gesture has moved the families emotionally, reinforcing the message that the nation continues to honour and remember its heroes with pride and gratitude. These commemorative activities will continue until Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, a day etched in the memory of the nation. It marks the successful culmination of Operation Vijay in 1999, when the Indian armed forces recaptured key positions in Kargil that had been occupied by Pakistani intruders. Observed every year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is a tribute to the indomitable spirit, courage, and sacrifice of India's soldiers who defend the country's borders with unwavering dedication. UNI RBE PRS
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Trichy pays tribute to Kargil hero Major Saravanan on 26th death anniversary
Trichy: The 26th death anniversary of Major Mariappan Saravanan, one of the first Indian Army officers martyred in the 1999 Kargil War , was observed at his memorial in the Cantonment area of Trichy on Thursday. Floral tributes were paid by members of the Major Saravanan Memorial Trust, Army officers from the Area Recruitment Office, NCC officers, Trichy district collector M Pradeep Kumar, MP Durai Vaiko, Mayor Mu Anbalagan, and other dignitaries. An alumnus of St Joseph's College, Trichy, Saravanan was commissioned into the Bihar Regiment in 1995. During the Kargil conflict, his unit was deployed at Jubar Ridge in the Batalik sector. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, he killed four enemy soldiers before succumbing to his injuries on May 29, 1999. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery. A memorial near St John's Vestry School commemorates his sacrifice, featuring four pillars engraved with the national emblem, Indian Army insignia, the Vir Chakra, and the Bihar Regiment's emblem.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Major Saravanan remembered in Tiruchi
Homage was paid to Kargil war martyr Major M. Saravanan, with military personnel and civilians paying their respects on the occasion of his 26th death anniversary here on Thursday. A solemn ceremony was organised by Major Saravanan Memorial Trust in remembrance of the Kargil war hero at the Major Saravanan Memorial established at St. John Vestry School roundabout here. Collector M. Pradeep Kumar, MP Durai Vaiko, MP, Mayor M. Anbazhagan, TSP Tiruchi Commandant Anandhan, NCC Tiruchi Group Commander Colonel Y. Vijaykumar, ANO 1Coy-2 (TN) BN Captain Amstrong, and St. Joseph's College Principal Rev. Fr. S. Mariadoss paid tributes at the memorial. Major Saravanan sacrificed his life for the country during the Kargil War in May 1999. He was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Himachal Pradesh deserves a separate regiment in Indian Armed Forces: HP Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 17 (ANI): The speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, has advocated a separate regiment in the Indian Armed Forces. 'The people of Himachal Pradesh have made immense contributions to India's military efforts. It's time our state had its regiment in the Indian Armed Forces,' said Kuldeep Singh Pathania, while speaking with ANI in Shimla on Saturday. Pathania was speaking following the inauguration of a blood donation camp organised at the Himachal Pradesh Assembly complex by the Sports and Cultural Association. Praising the patriotic spirit and service ethos of the people of Himachal Pradesh, Pathania reiterated the long-standing demand for the formation of a separate regiment in the Indian Armed Forces exclusively for Himachali soldiers. 'Himachal Pradesh's Legacy of gallantry must be recognised with a dedicated regiment' Citing the historical and continued contributions of Himachali soldiers, Pathania said that the soldiers from Himachal Pradesh have proved in war and tough times in the Indian armed forces. 'Himachal Pradesh has always stood at the forefront during times of war and national crisis. Our soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice and won numerous gallantry awards from the Param Vir Chakra to the Vir Chakra and the Kirti Chakra. It is only fitting that the Indian Armed Forces establish a special regiment representing Himachal Pradesh.' He said. Pathania emphasised that soldiers from the hill state have consistently played a vital role, whether it was the 1962 war, the 1972 war, the Kargil conflict, or modern-day operations like Sindhur. He pointed out that Himachal is known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), but it is also the land of valiant warriors who have tirelessly served the country. Acknowledging Operation Sindhur Pathania said that it was a testament to India's military prowess. In a detailed statement, Speaker Pathania lauded Operation Sindoor, a recent military success by Indian forces, calling it a clear demonstration of India's growing technological and strategic capabilities. 'Operation Sindoor has sent a strong message to the world's major military powers. Even countries like the United States, known for their advanced arsenal and military technology, have been effectively matched by India's armed forces. In fact, our capabilities are not just comparable but in many ways ahead,' said Pathania. 'The success of Operation Sindoor is a matter of pride for the entire nation, and especially for us in Himachal Pradesh. A brave soldier from my very own Assembly constituency laid down his life during this operation. His sacrifice is a reminder of the selfless service Himachali youth continue to render to the nation.' He added. Earlier in the day, Speaker Pathania inaugurated a blood donation camp on the Assembly premises, expressing his gratitude to the organisers and participants. 'I am happy that the Bharat Evam Cultural Association has organised this blood donation camp at the Assembly premises. Almost all our staff members have participated. Blood donation is the greatest form of service; it saves lives and is a deeply noble act,' he said. Pathania congratulated all the officers, employees, and organisational members who came forward for the cause. 'I hope this spirit of service continues. Through such acts, we serve society in a meaningful way.' Said Pathania. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania's strong advocacy for the Himachal Regiment reflects a broader sentiment in the state that its decades of military contribution deserve distinct recognition. As India continues to modernise its forces and celebrate regional pride, the proposal for a dedicated regiment representing Himachal Pradesh could gain further traction. (ANI)
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Our soldiers must be at forefront, says mother of Kargil War martyr
Guwahati: , 80, mother of recipient who lost his life in the , believes that unwavering maternal support for children serving at the frontlines will lead to India's triumph over the ongoing ceasefire between the nations, Duluprabha takes pride in her son's supreme sacrifice while encircled by adversaries during the Kargil War. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She supports her 84-year-old husband Thogiram Gogoi, a retired IAF flying officer, who remains prepared to instruct young soldiers for combat operations when her health has recently declined and she finds it difficult to recall many precious memories of her son, whom she always motivated to face adversaries bravely, Duluprabha shares this message for mothers of capable children: "While all the soldiers are joining their duties by cancelling the leaves, it is the duty of the mothers to see off their sons and daughters happily so that they can fight for the nation without worrying for their mothers. All the youths, who are sitting idle at home, should register themselves to serve as volunteers showing readiness to fight to save their motherland at the hour of need," she told TOI from their Golaghat residence in upper the family continues to feel the absence of their only son after more than 20 years, Duluprabha holds no remorse about his sacrifice for the nation. "Our young soldiers must be at the forefront to guard the nation. Even though many of the retired defence personnel are also ready to fight for the nation, our mothers should happily see off their young sons and daughters to frontline posts. All those youths, who have honesty and intelligence, should go forward to save the country, even as volunteers," Duluprabha encouraged mothers and wives of soldiers to remain resolute while their dear ones protect the frontline, awaiting further instructions. "They have gone to save the nation. So, the mothers and wives should see them off, infusing courage," she Gogoi acknowledged Duluprabha as a valiant mother inspiring many neighbours to serve the nation. A retired honorary flying officer who instructed at Tambaram Mechanical Training Institute, he said, "Age does not allow us to jump in war, but I have the confidence that I can still teach those who are willing to learn technical things for aircraft for eight hours a day." He recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee praised Jintu Gogoi's bravery and competence in the Kargil War as exemplary for the nation's Jintu Gogoi was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime military decoration, for his gallantry during operations in the Kargil War in 1999.
