Pune: Veer Gatha Season 3 at Elpro International School Pays Tribute to India’s Bravehearts
Pimpri Chinchwad, 20th August 2025: Elpro International School once again became the stage where history, sacrifice, and patriotism converged, as it hosted the third edition of Veer Gatha. What began in 2023 as a humble attempt to honour India’s soldiers has now transformed into a powerful tradition — one that ensures young minds truly understand that freedom is not free.
This year’s gathering, guided by storyteller and researcher Vikas Manhas, was more than an event. It was a journey into the hearts of families who have lived through unimaginable loss yet continue to hold their heads high with courage and pride. Through their voices, students witnessed stories of valour not as chapters in a textbook but as lived experiences that shape our nation’s soul.
Stories That Touched Hearts
The atmosphere in the hall was one of reverence as families of martyrs and decorated officers shared their stories. Each account carried with it not just facts of battle, but moments of love, resilience, and sacrifice.
Veer Naari Geetika Lidder, spouse of Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder (Sena Medal, VSM), remembered her husband’s discipline and devotion. Her book, I Am a Soldier’s Wife, is both a tribute and a guide for strength.
Parents of Group Captain Varun Singh (Shaurya Chakra) recalled his humility and the enduring message in his letter to students: “It is okay to be mediocre… resilience defines success.”
Veer Naari Karuna Chauhan, of Lt. Cdr. Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, moved the audience as she recounted how her husband gave his life to save his crew aboard INS Vikramaditya, before going on to herself clear the SSB and embrace service.
Ruchika, daughter of Captain Sanjay Arya (Bar to Sena Medal) and Megha Yadav, daughter of Lance Naik Rajendra Singh Yadav (Sena Medal), shared their stories of how each day they feel that their father is around them as a guiding angel.
Veer Naari Neha Tripathy, of Commandant Pramod Kumar (Kirti Chakra), spoke of resilience after tragedy struck on Independence Day 2016.
Sunita Dhonkaria, sister of Captain Amit Bhardwaj, spoke with emotion about carrying the weight of losing her younger brother in service of the nation for almost 50 days before the news broke on television. She spoke about his courage on the battlefield and how she remains proud of him.
Brigadier B.M. Cariappa (Vir Chakra, Sena Medal), the “Hero of Batalik,” left the audience spellbound with his gripping retelling of the Kargil War, when he called for artillery fire on his own position to repel the enemy. His words, filled with grit and grace, were a masterclass in leadership and sacrifice.
Each narrative pulled students out of their comfort zones and reminded them that behind every medal lies a family’s silent tears and unwavering pride.
For students of Elpro International School, Veer Gatha Season 3 was not just an event. It was a mirror to the nation’s soul. It helped them see soldiers not only as protectors in uniform but as fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters whose lives embody service.
Walking out of the hall, many students admitted they carried something new within them — a stronger love for the nation, a deeper gratitude for freedom, and a profound respect for those who make it possible.
As the strains of the national anthem closed the ceremony, one thing was clear: Veer Gatha is not merely a commemoration. It is a promise — that the stories of India’s brave hearts will never fade.
