Baghwan Gopi Nath A Margh Darshak of Kargil Victory

 

Pakistani soldiers and terrorists infiltrated Indian Territory in the Kargil region, aiming to cut off the crucial Srinagar-Leh highway. In the summer of 1999, while the rest of India battled the sweltering heat, a different war raged high in the icy Himalayan region. The war was fought at altitudes above 16,000 feet, with soldiers facing extreme weather and challenging terrain. The Indian Army launched “Operation Vijay” to recapture the lost territory, engaging in intense battles with Pakistani forces entrenched on mountain peaks. The period from May through July 1999 was cruel testimony to the extremes imposed by a terrain. The Kargil war was fought between India and Pakistan between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC). During the war, the Indian Army evicted Pakistani intruders and succeeded in recapturing the Tiger Hill and other posts as a part of Operation Vijay. The Kargil War began after Pakistani troops infiltrated and occupied strategic areas in the India-administered side of the line of control in Kashmir in February 1999. These troops were detected by India in early May, leading to the start of the war. The battles, especially at Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875, showcased extraordinary bravery, with heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Major Rajesh Adhikari, and others becoming national symbols of courage. ry, edited by A N Dhar and Nee ja Mattoo (2000)259pp contains one write-up by G H Raina and three write ups by B L kak all revolving round the role played by the saint after having left his mortal remains during difficult times of Kargil war for capturing tough terrine Tiger Hills. On page 232 Para 2 G N Raina states “We have it on the explicit evidence of an officer of the Grenadiers who in his personal diary (excerpts published in Daily Excelsior in Jammu),that testifies that on July 3,1999,the incredible figure in his traditional Kashmiri attire appeared on the scene and what followed was an all night11-hour assault by troops leading to the capture of the Tiger Hills on July 4 1999. By now it is a history and the saint –directed operation paved to be the turning point in 40 day old Kargil conflict”. Other three writ-ups by B L Kak titled ‘Kargil Diary-V Bhagvaan Gopinath Directed Indian Commandos Acted, Hidden ‘hero’ of Kargil hills-I Pakistan Sudden Interest in Kashmir’s Miracle- Man’ and Hidden ‘hero’ of Kargil hills-II Soldiers saw Him at the front in all Indo –Pak wars provide de tails of margh darshan executed.

Heroes of Kargil war

The Kargil War was a story of courage, sacrifice and unwavering determination. Every peak reclaimed was the result of extraordinary acts of bravery. The nation honoured these warriors with its highest military awards. During the war, 4 soldiers were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest gallantry award. 9 soldiers received the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and 55 were honoured with the Vir Chakra (VC). 1 soldier was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), while 6 received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and 8 were honoured with the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM). The Sena Medal (SM) was awarded to 83 personnel and 24 received the Vayu Sena Medal (VSM). These honours reflect the scale of heroism and exceptional service displayed during the conflict. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav – Param Vir Chakra, 18 Grenadiers. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was part of the 18th Grenadiers platoon tasked to capture Tiger Hill in Dras. On 3 July 1999, under intense shelling, he began scaling an icy cliff with his team. He destroyed the first enemy bunker, allowing his platoon to climb further. Even after being hit by bullets in the shoulder and abdomen, he pressed on. He destroyed another bunker and killed three enemy soldiers. His courage inspired his comrades to capture Tiger Hill. For this act of exceptional bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

TWENTY SIXTH KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

On 26th July 2025, India marked the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas with heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who secured the nation’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 26 of July in India, 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 UT in 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26th, 2025 commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The war, which lasted from May to July, saw Indian soldiers battling Pakistani intruders who had occupied strategic heights in the Kargil sector of Ladakh. Operation Vijay, the Indian military operation to reclaim the territory, involved fierce fighting in harsh, high-altitude conditions. The day honors the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought in the conflict. On this day, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial (NWM) in New Delhi, paying homage to the fallen heroes whose courage and sacrifice ensured India’s triumph. In his message, he described the Kargil victory as a timeless example of bravery, noting that the National War Memorial stands as a living symbol of their sacrifice. He highlighted the soldiers’ extraordinary grit and determination in defending the nation’s honor in challenging terrains, stating that their supreme sacrifice remains a reminder of the Armed Forces’ unwavering resolve. In Dras, Kargil, a Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra was organized by Mera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports .Mansukh Mandaviya and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, the 1.5-km march from Himabass Public High School to Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet saw participation from over 1,000 youth, serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, families of fallen heroes, and civil society member

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Courtesy:  (DR.) B L PUTTOO   and  Spade A Spade 2025