From Bengaluru To Kargil: College Students’ Epic 60-day Journey Honoring Martyrs On Vijay Diwas
Ladakh, 2nd August 2023: Two college students hailing from Bengaluru embarked on an awe-inspiring journey, braving the challenges of the monsoon season and battling hardships, to pedal more than 3,200 km over 60 days. Their remarkable expedition was aimed at paying homage to the martyrs at the war memorial on the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Inspired by the valorous deeds of Army Captain Vijayant Thapar, a hero who laid down his life in the Kargil war, the duo, Krishnan A and Peddi Sai Kaushik, both NCC cadets pursuing their studies at Ramaiah College and St Joseph’s University, respectively, embarked on this extraordinary mission. They also sought to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by the brave army personnel along their way, reaching out to National Cadet Corps (NCC) units during their journey.
Beginning their expedition in May, their initial plan was to traverse the Kanyakumari-Srinagar highway (NH-44) in hopes of completing the journey before the monsoon season fully hit. However, upon reaching Punjab, they encountered severe floods that threatened to halt their progress. Additionally, one of the cyclists fell ill with typhoid, leading to a two-week delay. Nonetheless, their determination and resilience were unwavering, and they pressed on despite the challenges.
The journey finally led them to the revered Kargil War Memorial on July 24, just two days before the solemn occasion of Vijay Diwas. For Krishnan and Sai Kaushik, standing at the memorial felt nothing short of magical, a testament to the profound significance of their endeavour.
Their perseverance and dedication did not go unnoticed, and upon their arrival in Dras, the duo received an overwhelming honour. They were bestowed VIP passes, granting them the privilege to attend the wreath-laying ceremony on Vijay Diwas, a truly humbling and momentous experience for them.
The inspiration behind their mission came from the realization that while Captain Vijayant Thapar and many others had sacrificed their lives in service of the nation and received gallantry awards like the Vir Chakra, the awareness about such valorous acts remained lacking. This compelled them to shed light on the sacrifices of these warriors, aiming to instil a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation in the hearts of fellow citizens.
Kargil Vijay Diwas marks India’s triumph over Pakistan, achieved through the relentless efforts of the Indian armed forces during Operation Vijay. The war was fought in the most demanding terrains, including Drass, Kargil, and Batalik sectors, amid extreme weather conditions. The victory remains etched in the nation’s memory as a testament to the indomitable spirit and bravery of our armed forces.
In summary, Krishnan and Sai Kaushik’s inspiring journey was a heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil war and a noble endeavour to honour the sacrifices of our courageous soldiers, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the consciousness of the nation.
