Gulab Chand Kataria pays tribute to Kargil heroes

Calls for national unity and respect for Armed Forces

5 Dariya News

Chandigarh 20-Jul-2026

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces as a Chief Guest at the function of the week-long Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations organised by the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh.

The event was organised to honour the courage, sacrifice and patriotism of the soldiers who secured India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War. Addressing the gathering, the Administrator said Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of India's courage, national pride and the supreme sacrifice of its soldiers.

He said the nation will always remain indebted to the Armed Forces for safeguarding its sovereignty under the most challenging circumstances. Shri Kataria said it was a matter of great honour to felicitate Kargil heroes, Veer Naris and the families of martyrs, adding that hearing the soldiers recount their wartime experiences filled every Indian with pride.

Reiterating India's firm resolve against terrorism and aggression, he said the country seeks peace but will always respond decisively to any threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Highlighting Punjab's rich legacy of military service and sacrifice, the Administrator paid tribute to freedom fighters including Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Shaheed Udham Singh.

He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the courage and discipline of the Armed Forces and reaffirm their commitment to national unity, integrity and selfless service. The Administrator also appreciated the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation for organising week-long Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative events to inspire patriotism among the younger generation.

Former Chief of the Army Staff General Ved Prakash Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. Kargil War veterans, Param Vir Chakra awardee Capt. (Hony.) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd.), Veer Naris, families of martyrs, serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, students and eminent citizens were also present.

The programme began with the screening of a documentary and archival video clips on the Kargil War. A patriotic musical tribute by Col. Jaswinder Singh (Retd.), a special felicitation ceremony honouring Kargil heroes, Veer Naris, families of martyrs and gallantry awardees, the 'Heroes Speak' session in which veterans shared their battlefield experiences, and a photographic exhibition featuring rare images from the Kargil War added to the significance of the event.

During the programme, the Administrator felicitated the families of Kargil martyrs, Veer Naris, Param Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra awardees, distinguished veterans and serving heroes in recognition of their exceptional courage and sacrifice. Special tribute was paid to the family of Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (Posthumous), with his father Shri G. L. Batra and brother Shri Vishal Batra being honoured.

Capt. (Hony.) Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC (Retd.), Lt. Gen. Y. K. Joshi (Retd.), Brig. Vijay Bhaskar, VrC (Retd.), Brig. Kushal Thakur (Retd.), Capt. (Hony.) Raghunath Singh, VrC (Retd.), Rifleman Harjinder Singh (Retd.), several Veer Naris and senior military veterans were also felicitated for their outstanding service to the nation.