Hyderabad: On Saturday, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma led a significant event at Raj Bhavan to honor the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrating India’s triumph in the 1999 Kargil War. This event was a collaboration between Raj Bhavan and the Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) Command.
Governor Varma revealed a portrait of Bharat Ratna Atal Behari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister, at the venue. He placed flowers as a tribute, praising Vajpayee’s leadership that united the nation during the Kargil conflict.
In his speech, the Governor honored the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. He remembered heroes like Captain Vikram Batra and the 526 martyrs of Operation Vijay, stating, “Our freedom exists today because they gave their lives with courage and faith.”
Referencing leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Swami Vivekananda, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he encouraged everyone to live lives worthy of their sacrifices. He quoted the Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland, saying, “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
The Governor praised the enduring spirit of Indian soldiers who continue to sacrifice for the nation’s peace and freedom. The event featured Armed Forces personnel reenacting a soldier’s journey from training to the frontlines, moving the audience deeply, especially the families of the fallen.
The ceremony drew notable attendees such as Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) N.A.K. Browne, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) V.R. Chaudhari, M. Dana Kishore, Major General Ajay Mishra, Major General R.D. Sharma, and Air Vice Marshal P.S. Wadodkar. Present were senior veterans, Kargil War heroes, gallantry awardees, current officers, and Veer Naris, the brave spouses of Kargil martyrs, along with their families. The Governor later honored the Veer Naris and military dignitaries, expressing deep gratitude for their strength and service.
The event concluded with a shared promise to uphold courage, unity, and patriotism, which defined India’s victory in Kargil.
