Shruti Suman
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 every year to commemorate the victory of the Indian armed forces in the Kargil War against Pakistan. On this day, the nation pays tribute to its brave soldiers who displayed extraordinary valor and made immense sacrifices during the conflict in 1999. One such courageous soldier was Lance Naik Vidyanand Singh of the Bihar Regiment, who laid down his life for the nation on June 9, 1999. He succumbed to his injuries while recapturing a strategic peak in the Batalik sector of Kargil during the war.
Vidyanand fought bravely against the intruders during the Kargil War and sustained more than six bullets to his chest. He was part of a military unit assigned to recapture the high ground in the Batalik sector, situated at an altitude of 17,000 feet near the border with Drass in Kargil. The Batalik sector held crucial significance for India as it secured a highway that was under Pakistani control. The Indian troops began their ascent on June 6, 1999, and reached the peak on the night of June 9.
Upon reaching the height of 17,000 feet, the Indian troops faced fierce resistance from the Pakistani soldiers who occupied a bunker. However, Vidyanand Singh engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the Pakistani forces and was hit by multiple bullets during the intense fighting. Many of his comrades also sacrificed their lives in the process. Despite his severe injuries, Vidyanand continued to fight until the troop successfully captured the peak. Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds before help could reach him.
Vidyanand Singh had joined the Indian Army in 1985 and had previously served in Nagaland before being deployed to Kargil. Prior to the Kargil War, he had shown exceptional bravery in encounters with Naga rebels and was renowned for his strong physique. He hailed from Panpura village in the Bhojpur district of Bihar.
In recognition of his exceptional courage and dedication to the defense of the nation, Vidyanand was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Medal. On June 9, 1999, his mortal remains were brought to Patna and given a state funeral.
On the occasion of the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Manoj Pande paid homage to the valor of the Indian armed forces. He acknowledged the immense challenge of “Operation Vijay,” a high-intensity military operation in the harsh and treacherous heights of Kargil. The Army Chief also praised the Air warriors for their crucial contribution to achieving the final objective.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day when India remembers and pays tribute to its brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 1999 conflict with Pakistan. The Defense Minister, Chief of Army, Navy Chief, and other dignitaries honored the fallen Kargil heroes at the memorial. The defense minister expressed gratitude and respect for those who put the nation first and didn’t hesitate to give their lives for the country during the Kargil War. The sacrifice of these courageous soldiers will forever be remembered and cherished by the nation.
