Panjab University commemorates 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Chandigarh, July 24, 2019: In pursuance with the national endeavour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Panjab University is organizing various activities in the Campus. In this regard Department of Defence and National Security Studies organised a ‘Panel Discussion’ on the theme “Kargil War: Lessons Learnt ” at the ICSSR Seminar Hall, here today in collaboration with Gyan Setu Think Tank and N.C.C. Army Wing, Panjab University. Capt. Abhimanyu Singh Sindhu, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Govt. of Haryana, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Lt. Gen. P M Bali AVSM, VSM, Chief of Staff, Western Command, Chandimandir, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Also, Mr Vishal Batra and Lt. Gen K.J. Singh, participated in the event as panellists and Prof Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University presided over the event. Dr Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson of the Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University while delivering his welcome address shared that Panjab University is commemorating 20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas by holding various activities. Apart from today’s event being organized by the Department of Defence and National Security Studies, University is also holding tree plantation drive on 25th of July in which 527 saplings will be planted, 1 each dedicated to 527 Kargil heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the country . Continuing with the celebrations on 26th of July, Uri movie will be screened for the students in University Auditorium. He also shared that one of the Committee constituted by the University regarding Celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas recommended the naming and developing any one of the parks in the University Campus as ‘Kargil Samriti Udhyan’ as a tribute to Kargil Warriors. Lt. Gen K.J. Singh, who is associated with the department as Mahraja Ranjit Singh Chair Professor since almost last three years, in his opening remarks highlighted that how Kargil War proved out to be a major folly by Gen Musharraf where he failed to consider the implications of this operation. He also explained how this war was a major challenge as India at that time was facing major international sanctions because of the nuclear tests conducted the previous year. Also the equipment related preparedness of the Army was then in poor shape and the restriction against crossing the line of control led to the relatively higher number of casualties and in it taking longer time in retaking our posts. He also spoke about the Kargil Review Committee and its recommendations. He highlighted the improvements in India’s security preparedness through induction of various modern arms such as unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery guns, attack helicopters etc. as well as the creation of cyber and space agency as well as the special forces division. He also spoke about the pending military reforms such as the setting up of the National Defence University suggesting that it should be set up at the earliest possible time and suggested renting infrastructure for ist establishment while the permanent campus can be constructed. Mr. Vishal Batra, Identical Twin-Brother of Captain Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra discussed his childhood memories. He spoke about how watching the then popular TV series “Param Vir Chakra” on television motivated them both for joining the armed forces. He told how while during his graduation from D.A.V. College, Capt Batra had received an offer for joining the Merchant Navy however he declined it as he was interested in joining the Army. He also told that both the brothers had attended the Services Selection Board Interview together. He also spoke about Captain Sourabh Kalia who had studied in the same school. He spoke about his last meeting with his brother when he was on leave. He shared that for the last 10 years he has been visiting Kargil every year and recently he participated in an expedition to the Batra Top where he had to be evacuated by helicopter due to extreme terrain and weather conditions. Lt Gen P M Bali, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Staff, Western Command, Chandimandir, who was Guest of Honour in the event, said that although the Kargil War is termed as a limited war, having been fought in a limited area by a limited number of forces, in terms of intensity it was anything but limited. He said that in the previous wars which India fought, people would learn about wars by reading in the newspapers the next day or through radio commentary. Giving the example of role of Sanjay from the Mahabharat Era and that of BBC and CNN during the Gulf War, he explained how Kargil was the first war in Indian History where people got to see live telecast of the war from their homes on the television sets. Recalling the national atmosphere, he explained how India, a democracy where there is space for differing views, the whole nation was standing united in support of the armed forces. He also discussed the innovative and unconventional use of artillery as well as integrated planning by the army and air force as well as the diplomatic effort’s role in the Kargil War. Speaking about information warfare, he highlighted the role of media in shaping perceptions at the national and international level. Capt. Abhimanyu Singh Sindhu, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Govt. of Haryana, also a decorated officer having served the Indian Army for six years and who was Chief Guest of the event, spoke about how Kargil turned out to be a stab in the back by Pakistan as it betrayed India by breaking the agreed upon convention about respecting the Line of Control and not taking advantage of the vacation of posts during winters. He discussed how Pakistan secretly employing its soldiers to occupy heights on the Indian side of the Line of Control while simultaneously making peace overtures towards India. He also shared his experiences from his recent visit to Turtuk and Nubra Valley in Ladakh recently and the coincidence of him meeting Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a Kargil War Veteran, who had been his senior when he was under training at the Officers Training School, several decades ago. He said that the Kargil Memorial and Museum is no less than a shrine as it shows us about how our brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in the face of extreme difficulties. Prof Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University while delivering his Presidential remarks emphasized that Indian Military achieved a spectacular victory fighting in one of the most inhospitable terrains and weather conditions. He shared that Panjab University, Chandigarh is also organising a series of activities to celebrate the great victory our nation achieved and convey our respect and gratitude to the families of those who laid down their lives in the service of our nation. Panjab University has always been a responsible national asset and we have given this nation a vast number of brave warriors who have served meritoriously in the security forces and have displayed courage of the highest order from time to time. Every year many of the students and alumni of our university join the security forces. He discussed the various initiatives taken by the university for commemorating the 20th Anniversary of India’s Victory in the Kargil War. He also declared that the University will name and develop one of the university gardens as the “Kargil Smriti Udhyan/Van” in the memory of the Kargil Martyrs. As a tribute to Capt. Batra, Panjab University in July 2018 named its Shooting Range as Capt. Vikram Batra Shooting Range. Professor Rakesh Datta, in his Vote of Thanks highlighted how it was a display of sheer grit, determination, valour and sacrifice of the junior leadership. He called Kargil War a test war by Pakistan to establish its counter deterrence on the nuclear front. The panel discussion was attended by members of various faculty members, serving and retired armed forces officers, research scholars, students, NCC Cadets and people from media.