Victory flame gets a warm welcome

S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037

Time was at its best at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) on July 15 when it extended a warm welcome ‘Victory Flame’ which commenced its journey towards Kargil War Memorial to mark the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The torch relay baton team of the Indian Army along with a team of JGU runners brought it to the varsity. JGU has been chosen as the first point of halt for the Victory Flame.

Professor Sanjeev P. Sahni, principal director, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS) and advisor to the Vice Chancellor, JGU was the chief guest for the event.

He said they were extremely happy and privileged to host the Victory Flame of the Indian Army at the OP Jindal Global University. Their university has been long associated with the Indian Army through programmes like ‘Partnering for Nation Building’- which collaborated with the Indian Army for special benefits.

We have also conducted various training programs for officers in the Indian Army in the past which included unique programs on Mandarin language and leadership strategies.

I firmly believe our national flag is a universally recognized symbol that stands for strength, liberty and development. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the sacrifices of those defending it, he said. 

Lieutenant General Rajesh Kochhar (retired), senior director, Jindal Institute of Leadership Development and Executive Education (JILDEE) said Operation Vijay was launched by the Indian Army in May 1999 to evict the Pakistan army regulars who had intruded into our side of the Line of Control in the Kargil Sector. The fighting ceased on 26 July 1999, after the intruders had been cleared off from our side of the Line of Control.

That day since then is celebrated every year as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate the saga of valour and sacrifices of the martyrs during this operation. 

We, at JGU, are very proud to host this event today to mark the 20th anniversary of the successful culmination of ‘Operation Vijay’ wherein brave soldiers of the Indian Army overcame all challenges and defeated the enemy.

Major Vikram Balraj Singh said after 60 days of incessant war, our brave soldiershad regained control of Kargil. He further elaborated that the gallantry and sacrifice of the martyrs must inspire each of us and motivate us to safeguard India.

The flame will traverse through 11 towns and cities before reaching the Dras War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir where the Indian Army and the families of the martyrs will pay their tribute on the occasion. During the journey, the relay baton team will meet academics and students of educational institutions.

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