Kargil heroes sacrificed their lives for our safer tomorrow: Shandil

The 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated with solemn pride in a grand state-level ceremony at the War Memorial in Dharamsala today. Health Minister Col (Dr) Dhani Ram Shandil laid a wreath to pay tributes to the fallen soldiers of the Kargil War. After the (Shok Shastra) gun salute by the police, the minister lighted the flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Col Shandil (retd) took keen interest in the War Memorial’s affairs and listened to the upkeep and expansion issues it was confronting. He praised the management of the memorial for the maintenance of the monument dedicated to the soldiers, who had sacrificed their lives for our “safe tomorrow”. He assured the society managing the affairs of the War Memorial of his fullest cooperation.

Thereafter, the minister proceeded towards the War Museum where a special programme was organised for the first time to honour the Veer Naris of the soldiers, who had laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, amidst a loud citation recital of their heroic contributions.

Col Shandil (retd) made an elaborate mention of his own experience as a soldier of various wars. He made an appeal to the public to treat these places dedicated to the memory of the martyrs like the places of worship and contribute to their sanctification. He recalled a line that read, “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today’.’

A large gathering comprising ex-servicemen, veterans and school and college students holding the Tricolour in their hands were present in the ceremony. The Deputy Commissioner, Kangra SSP, Station Commander, Yol, Adm Commandants, Yol and Dharamsala, were accompanied by other officials of the civil administration and local leaders.