The solemn occasion of Vijay Diwas was observed with great reverence as Lt. General KT Parnaik, the esteemed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, paid tribute to the valiant Kargil War heroes. The commemorative event took place at the Amar Jawan cenotaph, where Lt. General KT Parnaik laid a wreath and offered heartfelt floral tributes in honor of the fallen soldiers.
In his address to the gathered audience, Governor KT Parnaik extended warm greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on this momentous day. He expressed profound respect and homage to the brave martyrs of the Kargil War on behalf of all Arunachalis. Emphasizing the significance of national pride, the Governor urged the citizens to take immense pride in their nation, state, and the armed forces, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding territorial integrity and fortifying the armed forces to meet future challenges.
Governor Parnaik also stressed that the Kargil War serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to modernize and transform the armed forces to effectively counter adverse circumstances. He praised the valor displayed by the junior leadership and the camaraderie among the armed forces, which were instrumental in achieving victory during the most trying times.
Having personally witnessed the professionalism and respect commanded by the Indian Armed Forces both within India and abroad, the Governor lauded their numerous accomplishments. From liberating Bangladesh to combating insurgencies and terrorism, and operating efficiently across diverse terrains, from deserts to glaciers, the Indian Armed Forces have demonstrated unparalleled dedication.
In a bid to inspire the youth of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General KT Parnaik encouraged them to contemplate enrolling in the Armed Forces and serve the nation with pride and honor.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also addressed the gathering, commending the nation’s strength, unity, and resilience exhibited during the Kargil War. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and forever holding in memory the supreme sacrifices made by the brave soldiers.
The event was infused with an atmosphere of patriotism and nationalism as the personnel of the 33 Battalion of ITBP presented Shok Shastra, Salami Shastra, and played the poignant bugle calls of Last Post and Rouse Reveille. Additionally, a short film depicting the valor of the soldiers during the Kargil War and an impactful audio-visual presentation titled ‘We are Infantry’ further added depth to the celebration.
The program also featured a soul-stirring rendition of the patriotic song ‘Vandemataram,’ performed by talented artists from the Directorate of Art and Culture, and a heartwarming participation by the Arunachal Pradesh Police Band.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration witnessed active involvement from Ex-Servicemen, NCC Cadets, Scouts and Guides, along with students from various schools, all of whom paid their respects to the Kargil War heroes by laying wreaths and offering floral tributes.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of various dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Bamang Felix, Chief Secretary Dharmendra, and Director General of Police (in-charge) Chukhu Apa, among others, who also paid their heartfelt tributes to the brave heroes of the Kargil War.
The solemn ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives to protect the nation’s honor and uphold its territorial integrity. As the day concluded, the resounding message of valor, unity, and patriotism echoed through the hearts of all those who attended, leaving an indelible mark of reverence for the Kargil War heroes.