The battleground was high, the terrain was inhospitable, the task was tough. The soldier’s resolve was stronger, and the enemy got a fitting battering. And it has been seven years today, seven years since our pride was restored. July 26 is Vijay Divas, the day we celebrate our victory in the Kargil War, the day the Indian soldier helped us hold our heads high. For many brave, young Indians, it was their first war.

Kargil gave the country many young and fearless champions. Names like Captain Anuj Nayyar, Lieutenant, later Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Pandey became household heroes. The Indian Army lost 600 soldiers. Six hundred families lost sons, husbands, fathers. The country won back its pride.

Hey heroes! no dictionary can provide words to describe your martyrdom. We owe our lives to you. I salutes you, Your Motherland salutes you?

Ae Mere Vatan ke logon, jara Aankh me bharlo paani.
Jo Saheed hue hain unki, jara yaad karo kurbaani.
Jai Hind!