VASCO: To commemorate the 25th anniversary of India’s triumph in the Kargil War, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with Lakshya Foundation-Pune and Department of information and Publicity paid a poignant tribute to army veterans, who fought the Kargil war and honour their courage and serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of our armed forces.
The nine Army veterans, who were felicitated at a programme held at the BITS Pilani Campus, were Naib Subedar Ramdas Shyamji Pawar (Rtd), Daya Ram (Rtd), Hav Muni Lal (Rtd), Jogender Singh (Rtd), Hav. Yash Paul (Rtd), Hav Mehar Singh, HC/GD Janardan Sonawane, Ajitnath Namdev Shirsat and Hav Jaihind Singh.
Major General Ravindra Singh (SM Bar), Colonel Prashant Kamath (SM), Founder President, Lakshya Foundation, Anuradha Prabhudessai, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar and Secretary of Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities Taha Haaziq were present on the occasion.
Students from various schools from across the State also attended the programme. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who was unable to attend the event, through a video message, said Kargil War veterans were the real heroes of today’s India and Independent India.
“Many wars have been fought from 1947 onwards and many Indian revolutionaries like Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, and others sacrificed their lives for the country. This year, Lakshya Foundation has selected 12 districts to organise 12 felicitation programmes in the presence of students, aiming to instil patriotism among them. It is crucial for them to learn about and personally experience these events,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister said the State government is working towards strengthening coastal border security in Goa as well.
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, who was the chief guest at the function, termed Kargil War a defining moment in the history of the nation.
“It was a test for our heroes to resolve and define an indomitable spirit that defines the heart of every Indian. Amidst numerous challenges, our soldiers displayed remarkable valour and determination, earning them legendary status. Their sacrifices, bravery, and unwavering dedication continue to inspire us all,” Phal Dessai said.
Acknowledging the strength and resilience of the soldiers’ families, Phal Dessai, said, “Their unwavering support and courage deserve recognition and gratitude.”
Pawaskar said that the army veterans felicitated were those fitted with artificial limbs and that they thought it was apt to honour them as they were the real heroes of our nation. He also stated that he would like to see more Goans join the armed forces.
A conversation on Kargil War with Kargil war heroes Major General Ravindra Singh (SM Bar), Colonel Prashant Kamath (SM), was part of the function.
