Kargil Divas Tricity by Brig Kiran Krishan

The 10th Anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali & Chandigarh) on Sunday, JULY 26, 2009 as per programme below:
(a) Homage Ceremony 10.30 to 11.30 a.m. At Major Shankla Memorial, Sector-2, Panchkula
(b) Lighting of Candles 8 p.m. At Major Shankla Memorial, Sector-2, Panchkula
(c) Medical & Dental Camp 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Satluj Public School, Sector-2, Panchkula

About 350 ex- servicemen, and civilians participated in the homage ceremony which was led by Lt Col JS Kanwar, father of the late Major Sandeep Shankla, Ashok Chakra, three Kargil war widows, and Brig Sant Singh, MVC and Bar, President of the War Decorated India. Poet laureate Padma Bhushan Sardar Anjum recited a poem in honour of the Kargil martyrs. Many civil dignitaries, and, local municipal councillors were present. Many senior retired service officers including former Army Commanders, Lt Gen PN Hoon, Lt Gen Depinder Singh, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Air Marshal GS Punia, and Capt (IN) AS Johar graced the occasion, in addition to a large number of ex- servicemen who had come from far off villages.

The evening Candle Lighting Ceremony was started off with reading of odes to the martyrs. Shri Shyam Chand, a former Haryana minister was present alongwith many patriotic civilian friends.

The Medical & Dental Camp was led by ex AMC husband & wife duo Lt Gen Harcharan Singh, PVSM, PHS (Retd.) and Mrs Krishna H Singh. They had put together a team of seven retired AMC doctors. In addition, a fully equipped dental van complete with doctors, staff, and medicines was made available, kind courtesy National Dental College & Hospital, Dera Bassi (Punjab) being run by Lt Col GS Sandhu (Retd from AOC in 1997). Approx 300 patients utilised the camp. Mohali Brigade was present in strength, and lent full support. A few of the photos taken are attached.
Brig Kiran Krishan, SM (Retd)
Coordinator, IESM
Panchkula