Vijay Divas is here and our minds go back to July 1999. Our hearts are reminded of the first ever televised battle high over the world, in the desolate, wind swept, barren Himalayan mountains of Kargil, Drass and Ladakh.
The nation was taken by surprise, as officially the two neighbouring countries were working on establishing peace. But, General Pervez Musharraf had already implemented a plan to sneak into the high peaks and establish bases. The aim being to annex Ladakh.
The reports from local shepherds about abnormal movements and presence in the Mountain peaks jolted the Army into quick action and response. The first battle to be televised, and beamed into our homes 24×7, caught everyone’s imagination.
Much more for the wives, children, parents, neighbours and even distant relatives of men and women in uniform. Barkha Dutt interviewing whoever she could find, in uniform, with shells bursting in the background was not only exhilarating for the uninitiated but also revealing for everyone, even those across the border.
This war also saw equal participation from the Air force and the Navy. War and its repercussion was felt by the soldiers and the common people. Young officers, even the ones straight from the academies were landing at the fronts. And they did not hesitate.
The supporting staff, be it in logistics, medical, communications, bridge laying, mine clearing, and so many more areas were equally committed. In fact they may be quite the unsung heroes. Because everyone did their best and much much more than required as the conflict came to its victorious end in a short time.
Valour and leadership were exhibited in all corners, along with being humane. Peak 5140,Tololing, Peak 4875, Jaubar Top and Khalubar hill in the Batalik sector became household names, which till then nobody knew even existed on the map of India. The bravest of brave were awarded gallantry awards, mostly posthumously. The army doctors fought round the clock to keep alive men who had faced bullets and taken them into their body without flinching for their Motherland, and for their men. We remember and honour these men who climbed sheer vertical rock faces, in the darkness of the night, so that they could surprise the enemy firing down at them mercilessly.
I remember the parents of our junior most officer calling me late one night because they had heard of the martyrdom of so many of his coursemates and just wanted to know if he was alive. There were no cell phones then, and communications were restricted, as part of the protocol. I listened to the worry, and concern of the anxious hearts of worried parents, trying my best to reassure them. I too knew very little. Protocol.
Some names were on the tip of every tongue just as common as the cola tag line, “Yeh dil mange more”. While the outstanding courage of scores of others we came to know only months later when we heard of daredevil deeds of shooting the enemy point blank even after themselves having been shot at, kicked and tortured and left for the dead.
The wives and children kept a brave front, smiled a lot, did not let the tears creep out, for if a phone call came they wanted to sound positive, send their best wishes, to reassure their soldier, they were keeping the ship afloat, that they were in this together! “You focus on what you have to do. I got this my dear.”
And the pride… the pride of serving the nation, without asking or expecting anything in return!
PS: This post is a part of ‘Tricolour Tales Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters
While reading your blog, tears rolled down my cheeks. Even as I write this, I feel like crying out loud. I can’t begin to fathom the pain the families must have endured during that time—yet they stood strong, unwavering, supporting the soldiers who fought and died for our country. Your words pierced my soul; they felt deeply personal. My utmost respect to the soldiers and to the unsung heroes, their families.
Thank you!
Thank you Pinki Bakshi! Your sensitive thoughts mean a lot!
Loved this beautiful narration Anamika Ma’am. Reading it took me back to those times when my family used to switch on tv or tune in to radio to seek updates on the war. A time when as a ten year old i used to feel scared but my parents talked positive about Indian army, sowing the seeds of my trust and pride in them. Thank you for bringing back all those memories.
Thank you Nilshree! You were so young then. But old enough to have your own memories about that war.
Indeed the family members of the soldiers deserve this kind of tribute. Separation from beloved people is painful particularly when we know they’re on dangerous terrains for the sake of the nation, facing all kinds of dangers.
Thank you for your views. Such support makes it worthwhile.
I can’t imagine what you and other army wives must have gone through. If the nation sings peans in the name of the soldiers, army families deserve more.
Thanks for your sensitive views. They mean a lot!
Very well written Anamika and a wonderful tribute to everyone who were part of this war, be it on the mountain peaks fighting with the enemy or behind the scenes.
Thanks Juhi! You have had similar experiences I know.
Penned so well Anamika, brought back all those memories as if it had happened just yesterday. Wars are never good but the bonding, brotherhood and love of the nation they invoke are unparalleled!
Thanks Minie! You have said it so beautifully!
This blog gave me a deeper insight into what the families of our warriors were truly facing. It must have been so gruelling as family members to worry about their sons and brothers getting caught in the crossfire. I cannot think of the devastation and misery of the parents getting to know about the untimely deaths of their children.
Thank you for sharing your views! The soldiers are martyred while serving their nation. It is a privilege to serve the nation and the families of soldiers always stand with them through thick and thin, through joy and sorrow.
A deeply mooving and powerful article.your words not only honor the bravery the soldiers who stood strong during the Cargil war but also reflect the silent strength of the families behind them.
Thankyou for sharing this tribute…it reminds us of the courage,sacrifice and patriotism that protect our freedom.
Thank you! We were in it together Purnima!
Your post brought back such vivid memories of the Kargil War and those days when the heartbeat of the nation depended on the televised war that brought in so many casualties. Those were days of anxiety, anticipation and hope, finally followed by a feeling of intense gratitude that we had survived.
Absolutely Deepti!
Your blog make the emotions so more real. When we feel protected someone’s family remains unprotected. Your writing really made me emotional also I wish more people talked about this topic. The last line… how do we ever compensate for the brave souls and their lives!
Thank you Sameeksha! Your sensitive appreciation goes a long way!
A very well written heart wrenching compelling blog. .. patriotic,informative and emotional.🇮🇳
Honoring the soldiers and paying tribute to their families left a deep impression and a feeling of national pride
This post simply moved me. As a Defence Officer’s family, I signed up for something great, didn’t we?!!
Thanks Shalini! Yes you did, we did!
This is a tribute to remind one of the most terrific wars (every war is painful we all know) of this era.
Thank you Tanvi!
It is a heartfelt blog. The sacrifices with no expectations is often overlooked by citizens of the nation.
I am glad it resonated with you.
Absolutely out of words. Truly the pride of serving the nation is immense, beyond any other duty.
Thank you! Happy to share!
What a poignant and evocative read, Anamika maám. You’ve given us a heartfelt glimpse into the courage and sacrifice that defined that conflict with a beautiful reminder of the stories that shape our history and the quiet bravery of those who fought, written with deep respect and sincerity
Thank you Manali!