Itanagar: The 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated with great reverence across Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year, to observe India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War for ousting Pakistani forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops of Northern Kargil district in Ladakh in 1999.
Addressing the celebrations at Raj Bhawan here, Governor K T Parnaik extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on this significant occasion. He solemnly paid tribute to the brave martyrs of the war on behalf of all Arunachalees and urged everyone to take pride in our nation, State, and armed forces.
The governor emphasized that the Kargil war served as a crucial reminder that safeguarding our territorial integrity requires the modernization, transformation, and strengthening of our armed forces. He lauded the valor of junior leadership and camaraderie within the forces, which led to victories in challenging circumstances during the conflict.
Drawing from his own experiences both within and outside India, the Governor expressed admiration for the professional orientation and international respect commanded by the Indian Armed Forces. He highlighted their history of engaging in numerous wars, liberating Bangladesh, and effectively tackling insurgencies and terrorism within the country. The Armed Forces’ vast experience of operating in diverse terrains, ranging from deserts to glaciers, was also acknowledged.
In his speech, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein acknowledged that the Kargil war had tested the nation’s strength, unity, and resilience. He praised the soldiers who faced extreme challenges, braving tough terrains, adverse weather, and a radicalized enemy. As the historic occasion was celebrated, he urged everyone to honor and never forget the sacrifices made by our courageous soldiers.
During the event, the personnel of the 33 Battalion of ITBP, led by head constable Jyoti Misa, presented Shok Shastra, Salami Shastra, and sounded the Last Post and Rouse Reveille bugle calls, adding a sense of patriotism and nationalism.
The celebration also featured a short film on the Kargil War, a documentary by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, and an audio-visual presentation titled ‘We are Infantry.’ The staff artists of the directorate of art and culture performed the patriotic song ‘Vandematram,’ composed by retired instructor of Songs & Drama unit, Gautam Dey. The Arunachal Pradesh Police band also actively participated in the event.
Notable dignitaries including first lady Anagha Pranaik, home minister Bamang Felix, chief secretary Dharmendra, DIG in-charge Chukhu Apa, secretary to governor Sharad Bhaskar Darade and others paid their respects to the Kargil War heroes at the Amar Jawan cenotaph by laying wreaths and offering floral tributes.
At Tawang: The 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas was also celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride at the General Parade Ground here.
The event saw active participation from students representing various schools, dedicated army jawans, revered monks from the Tawang Monastery and the enthusiastic general public.
Colonel JS Dodhy, the deputy commander of Tawang Brigade, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the brave hearts that made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War.
Colonel Dodhy took the opportunity to encourage the youth to consider joining the Indian Army and serve the nation with honor and dedication.
Earlier, the ceremony commenced with a guard of honour presented by the NCC cadets of the 2nd Arunachal Pradesh Battalion.
This was followed by captivating cultural performances and a remarkable military band display by students and jawans alike.
As part of the celebration, the students and general public were given the opportunity to witness a weapon display showcasing the various arms and equipment used by the Indian Army.
Soldiers were also on hand to provide valuable information and raise awareness on how to join the Indian Army, along with insights into the admission procedures for Sainik schools.
At Namsai: On the occasion of ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the country by distributing 400 bee-boxes to beekeepers in as part of the Honey Mission initiative.
KVIC chairman, Manoj Kumar, virtually presided over the event, where 400 B-Boxes and B-Colonies were provided to 40 women beekeepers from Enthem village of Namsai district. Notably, this district lies in the easternmost part of India, near the China border, and the distribution took place through a virtual medium, connecting Mumbai from the western end of the country.
In his address to the beekeepers, emphasized the dual contribution being made by the country’s valiant soldiers, safeguarding our motherland, and the beekeepers, who are elevating India’s image globally by participating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s local to global campaign. Kumar urged the beekeepers to make Arunachal a hub for organic honey production, considering the rising international demand for pure honey.
One beneficiary, Semonti, shared her experience with the KVIC chairman, mentioning that besides receiving five days of basic training, she also gained valuable insights into bee care and honey production.
Another beneficiary, Rupanti Gogoi, highlighted that bees provide various products like royal jelly, wax, and pollen, which could generate additional annual income of lakhs of rupees.
Also read: Arunachal cabinet approves major reforms in recruitment process for Group A, B posts
