NewZNew (Chandigarh – Kulbir Singh Kalsi) : Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated at HQ Western Command today. It was on this day that the last of the Pakistani infiltrators were thrown out from Indian soil.
A “Wreath Laying Ceremony” was held at the ‘Veer Smriti’ atHeadquarters Western Command Chandimandir on this occasion to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for our Mother Land. Lieutenant General KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief and General VP Malik,(Retd) laid wreaths along with other serving officers, senior veterans, Commanding Officers and Subedar Majors of units which had actively participated in the operations. Next of kin of Martyrs of Operation VIJAY and award winners took part in the ceremony and were felicitated on the occasion. A multi-faith prayer added to the emotional intensity of the atmosphere. Besides, Baby Elena, a seventh standard daughter of Late Major Sanjay Sanjay Sharma moistened the eyes of all present there by singing a soulful song ‘Ae mere wattan ke logo zra aankh mein bhar lo pani…..’ This song is reported to have moved the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to tears once decades back when Lata Mangeshkar sang it in his presence.
In the evening a Light and Sound Show was held for showcasing the history of Western Command. ‘Light and Sound Show’ has been produced with in-house talent from the Army. The show commenced with a message being read out by Shri Amitabh Bacchan, honouring the martyrs through an apt recitation of a famous poem, ‘Pushp Ki Abhilasha’, by the eminent Hindi poet Maakhan Lal Chaturvedi, dedicating the show to the brave soldiers. The show was witnessed by senior veterans and serving officers, including Lieutenant General KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and personnel of Chandimandir cantonment.