Royal Salute – July 26

Namaste! Let me start this article by bowing my head to all Army, Naval, Air Force, para-military and all security force personnel who serves our country. Especially to the martyrs who shed their blood and lives for the nation. No other service will equal the service of martyrs. Even though they are physically not alive, they are living in the hearts of each and every Indian who is loving his country.

Goosebumps! Whenever we hear or see the word KARGIL, the moment we will get a pride, happiness, valor, patriotism as if we were on the war field and fought against Pakistan. This is what is called the respect towards our Nation. Bharath, Hindusthan, India however you name it, the hair strands will rise up.

Today it is Kargil Diwas. Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the successful Operation Vijay, is celebrated in India on 26 July. On this date in 1999 India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistan. The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days, ended on 26 July and resulted in loss of life on both the sides. The war ended with India regaining control of all the previously held territory, hence re-establishing the state existing before the war.

There are hundreds of army personnel involved in the war. Everyone is honored. I am going to throw some lights on a young, brave, indomitable courageous officer Sri.Yogendra Singh Yadav PVC (Param Vir Chakra Award Holder). I wish every youngster of this nation should know about him.

Sri.Yogendra Singh Yadav PVC was born on 10 May 1980. His father Sri.Karan Singh Yadav also served for our nation who was participating in 1965 -71 Indo-Pakistan war. He sent his son to serve this nation. You know something, Sri.Yogendra Singh Yadav PVC joined Indian Army at the Age of 16. He was enlisted with 18 Grenadiers (A regiment of Indian Army) and was a part of Ghatak Force. He was tasked to capture three strategic Bunkers on Tiger Hill by the opposition. The team found the bunkers are at the top of the frozen and snow covered 1000 ft at the cliffs face. The operation was on the early morning of July 04, 1999 as the 19 years old Yadav volunteered for the assault with brave heart and love towards the nation.

He started climbing the cliff face and installed ropes for further attacks. Halfway through, he was shot with Machine Gun by the opponents in his groin and shoulder areas. He didn’t give up as he wanted to just climb 60 more feet. With the blood sheds and pain, he steered to smash the bunkers. Successfully he reached the spot and lobbed the grenades and smashed first bunk and he confirmed that the place is safe and 4 Pakistanis were killed. He called other two member and they joined him. Moved towards the second bunkers with more pain. There the situation was worse and had to combat hand-to-hand and killed 4 Pakistani soldiers. With 21 bullets in his body, Yadav’s brave action played a major role in capturing the Tiger Hill.

The Param Vir Chakra,  was announced for Yadav posthumously, but it was soon discovered that he was recuperating in a hospital, and it was his namesake who had been slain in the mission. Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav PVC is a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army, who was awarded the highest Indian military honour decoration, the Param Vir Chakra, for his action during the Kargil War. Aged 19 when he received the decoration, he is the youngest person to be awarded the medal.

Role Model for all Youngsters of our nation. Many wouldn’t have heard about him. Hence, I thought of writing about Sri.Yadav.

I request everyone who blames and through harsh words about the nation, not to repeat anymore as we are safely living only because of such personnel safeguarding us in the wide North South East West borders of our nation. Our nation is a garden of flowers with multiple colors, fragrances, styles and legacies. Let us decorate it, admire it and respect it. Religion, Caste, Color, Language, Customs, Cultures and several diversities but united all along.

Respect our nation. Live with the spirit and magnanimity. Spread happiness, peace, love and Rise Up like a warrior when someone even thinks to spoil the name of our nation. Jaihind!

Note:  Param Vir Chakra Award is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. (Source: Wikipedia)

With Patriotism, Rakesh Writes…