Thursday, July 30, 2009

"Friendship"... a bond that knows no boundaries!











Well, I was trying to decide on what to write about... and then remembered... "Friendship Day" is just around the corner. So, what better topic to write about... than that! Though, we do not need a specific day to celebrate/remember this bond of friendship... but... nevertheless, it is an occasion to celebrate the greatest of all bonds (not James Bond... mind you!) Incidentally, in 1997, the United Nations named the chubby, lovable and immensely huggable Winnie the Pooh as the "World's Ambassador of Friendship".

My earlier posts on this topic can be read: here - 1 and here - 2.

We all are familiar with the story of the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus... the traditional/mythical founders of Rome, appearing in Roman mythology as the twin sons of the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia (daughter of the King, Numitor), fathered by the God of War, Mars... who were placed in a basket and thrown into the Tiber river. They were kept safe by the river deity Tiberinus, who made the basket... catch onto the roots of a fig tree, Ficus Ruminalis, growing in the Velabrum swamp, (which therefore, has a high symbolic significance). He then brought the infant twins up onto the Palatine Hill. There, they were nursed and raised by a she-wolf, Lupa in Latin. They were nurtured underneath a fig tree and were fed by a woodpecker named Picus. Both animals were sacred to Mars. The story of Romulus and Remus can be read in greater detail: here (Courtesy: Wikipedia)

However, I will not delve into mythology or the great epics here. In this post, I will write about some unusual friendships... of stories that I have come across recently... on the net. Each of these stories, truly goes on to prove... that friendship knows no boundaries... not even that of the species barrier...

1. Dog Mum for abandoned Panda cubs: Two red panda cubs abandoned by their mother at birth are thriving at a northern China zoo thanks to milk and loving care from an unlikely surrogate mother - a dog. The cubs, born on June 25 (2009), were abandoned immediately by their own mother (after giving birth in front of a crowd of visitors) at the Taiyuan Zoo in northern China's Shanxi province, according to Ha Guojiang, a zoo employee quoted by the official Xinhua News Agency.

"No one knew she was pregnant. Her plump body and bushy hair disguised her protruding belly until the babies were born,'' said Ha. "We hurriedly went about to find a wet nurse for them.'' Telephone calls to the Taiyuan zoo rang unanswered on Thursday. The dog wet nurse, belonging to a farmer from a nearby suburb, was selected from two other candidates that had recently given birth. The dog is now raising the two panda cubs like its own pups, sometimes even refusing to feed its own pups, said Ha, cited by Xinhua.

At 3-weeks-old, the baby cubs have yet to open their eyes and have doubled in length to 20 centimeters (8 inches), Xinhua reported. Unlike the more well-known, bear-like giant pandas, red pandas resemble raccoons with long bushy tails. There are believed to be fewer than 2,500 adult red pandas in the world.

Certainly, an endangered species... and the dog mum is doing her bit to help them survive. Just imagine the scene in your mind's eye... two tiny panda cubs snuggling up to a dog mum... it is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The article can be read: here.

2. Hen adopts puppies: A hen in China has reportedly adopted two orphaned puppies after their mother died. Owner Cao Fengying, of Majiaqiao village, Jiashan town, says the hen was best friends with the mother dog. But the dog was poisoned just ten days after giving birth to the puppies, reports Today Morning. Cao said: "The hen and the dog had been friends for two years. They would never fight but just play together." The hen now looks after her adopted children, defending them if anyone approaches and letting them eat first at meal times. Amazing, isn't it... ?!! Such an endearing bond between the "hunter" and the "hunted"... where under natural circumstances, one is "food" for the other. Strange, indeed... are the ways of nature.

3. A dachshund mum for 'Pink': A dachshund is fostering this little guy for another mum who couldn't take care of him. He had his eyes closed until a few days ago, but now they are open. He is just a little bigger than her other pups. She loves this little guy as much as the other puppies and she is nursing him back to health. He is the cleanest pig-uppy (piggy + puppy) ever... because she licks him all the time. His name is Pink. Chooooo cute!!! Na... ?!!

To see more pics, please click on: this link.

4. Nothing fishy about it: A swan in a Chinese zoo feeds its fish friends every day - to the amazement of the visitors.

5. Deer me! Doggy mum for deer calf: This deer calf is safe and sound under the care of its doggy mum. Sheer bliss!

6. Bakery for dogs: A canine-only bakery selling a range of handmade dog biscuits and meaty cakes has opened in Germany. The Dog's Goodies bakery in the city of Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt, is a howling success, according to local dog owners. Former florist turned canine chef Janine Saraniti-Lagerin offers her doggy customers treats such as minty biscuits, muesli bars, tuna cakes and garlic cookies. She said: "Vets tell me what is healthy and my Labrador Ronja tells me what is tasty."

"Dog-owners come from far and wide to get treats here. Many international customers stop off here on their way to Frankfurt airport to pick up something special for their dog back home." Dogs brought to the shop are given a free tasting session, says Saraniti-Lagerin. Bow Wow to that!

7. Mommy cat for puppies: Animal Planet shows a mother cat who lost her kittens, taking a litter of puppies into her care... while the mother dog ignores her own pups, for whatever reason. Link, courtesy YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ndgx1onlDg

What a wonderful world God has created for us... with such inter-species harmony... among animals. How can we... human beings... "Homo sapiens sapiens"... ever say that they are 'inferior' to us... ??? We... the supposed 'superior and rational' beings... have a lot to learn from these animals. For sure!

8. 15 lucky pups being fed by two 'mothers': These lucky pups have landed on their feet after two dogs decided to share out the motherly duties. Pedigree Irish Setter Madyson gave birth to the 15 babies but before owner Julie Murray had a chance to clean the newborns, her other dog, Liliana, started to lend a hand. And when the pups started feeding, six-year-old surrogate mum Liliana, an English Setter, also began producing milk so she could share the load.

Julie, 53, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, said: "Madyson was giving birth so fast I didn't have time to wash them all, but Liliana was right there. She started cleaning them and looking after them and soon after began producing milk even though she wasn't pregnant - I was amazed. Normally the natural mum is really protective over her pups but the pair share feeding times."

"It's good news for me too because if Liliana wasn't there I would have to help and bottle feed some of the puppies because 15 is too many for a mother to look after. But with Liliana there I can just put my feet up - with 15 mouths to feed it's certainly a big help. The puppies are still very young so they haven't reached the mischievous stage. People think that Irish Setters are a bit mad but these puppies are actually very laid back and relaxed. When they get a little bit older they will be just as playful as any other breed of dog."

It's a lovely story to hear... of two dogs sharing their duties. Read more about this amazing story: HERE (includes pics as well... courtesy: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)




Note: Some info... courtesy: Wikipedia. Point 3: Picture courtesy: http://www.petbrags.com/profiles/blogs/the-dachshund-and-pink-the-pig.


Photographs: Photographs depicting these wonderful stories:

1. Dog Mum for abandoned Panda cubs. (Point 1)

2. A dachshund mum for 'Pink'. (Point 3)

3. A swan in a Chinese zoo feeds its fish friends every day - to the amazement of the visitors. (Point 4)

4. Deer me! Doggy mum for deer cub. (Point 5)

5. Bakery for dogs. (Point 6)


Monday, July 27, 2009

PJs Galore... !!!



It's a 'monday' again... the beginning of yet another week. And as someone... presumably a 'very wise person', has coined the term: "monday morning blues"... most folks are under its spell now. So, here are a few PJs to break that (unwelcome and totally unwanted) spell... and induce some much-needed laughter... to brighten up an otherwise drab and dull day! Get ready to display all your pearly whites, folks!

But... before I begin with the PJs... here are a few 'important' updates. The Alexa Traffic Rank for my blog is... currently at 221,294. In a short span of time... there have been 8,002 page views... with visitors from across the globe... scattered across 70 countries, to be precise! And... this is my 85th post! Yippieeeee!!! Okie... now for the PJs... here you go:


Q: How do you cut roads???
A: By Laughing! Because... "Haste Haste 'Cut' Jaye Raste"!

Luv and Kush are going to a village and in between comes a well. Luv falls into the well.
Q: Why???
A: Because 'Luv' (love) is blind... !!!
Q: Now, Kush also jumps inside. Why??
A: Because... "Luv ke liye saala 'kush' bhi karega"!!!!

Q: Jackie Chan ki saans ka naam kya hai... ???
Socho, socho... nahi pata... ??
A: D'Cold... "Chan ki saans" - D'cold.
Q: Chalo ab batao... Jackie Chan ki bahu ka naam kya hai?
This is quite simple...
A: D'Cold again... "Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" :-)

A beggar meets another beggar.
A software engineer meets another software engineer. Both of them ask the same question to each other.
Q: What is the question?
A: So, which Platform are you working on??

Q: What will you call a person who is leaving India??
A: Hindustan Lever (Leaver).
Q: What will you call a person who leaves India, but doesn't travel much??
A: Hindustan Lever Ltd (Limited).

Q: Ram Sita hai... toh Ram kaun hai??
A: Tailor.
Q: Sita Ram hai... toh Sita kaun hai??
A: Sita MEMORY hai.

Once upon a time in a school for elephants... some loafer elephants were sitting on a wall.
A sexy female elephant passes by.
Q: What do the loafer elephants say about her?
A: 36000 - 24000 - 36000 !!!

Q: Kalidas ka ek bhai joote banata tha... uska naam kya tha?
A: Adidas.

Prasad asks Kumble to bring a Pepsi... Kumble brings a bottle of Pepsi but goes directly to Tendulkar.
Q: Why?? Why??
A: Tendulkar is an opener!

Q: What is the similarity between "Satyanarayan Puja" and the "Indian Cricket Team"??
A: Dono ke anth mein "Prasad" aataa hai!

Q: Who is Joe?
A: "Kambakth Ishq" - Because "Kambakth Ishq hai Joe"!



Photograph:

A funny T-shirt quote. All in good humour... I assure you.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

A story of a warm hug and a kiss... of gratitude...!




Recently, while surfing the net... I came across this heart-warming news and was charmed. I feel like to share this wonderful story with you as well. It is a story of an unusual bond... of the warmth of gratitude and thankfulness.

In Cali, Colombia, through the bars of his cage, an African lion named 'Jupiter' stretches his giant paws and clasps Ana Julia Torres before giving her a kiss. It is a 'kiss of gratitude'... and gratitude is the sign of noble souls. The sight of a lion rearing up on its hind legs would leave most people quaking with fear... but a kiss and cuddle with the friendly 'King of the forest' is all part of a day's work for animal lover Ana Julia Torres. She has formed an extraordinary friendship with the big cat. The 'King' is her pride... and she, his joy. As an onlooker said: "It was amazing to see an animal of that size acting so affectionately."

You can watch the video, courtesy YouTube: HERE. A second video... courtesy YouTube again, can be viewed: HERE.

Ms Torres, a teacher by profession, earned the affection of Jupiter, a 110kg (242lb) African lion, by nursing him back to health after rescuing him from a traveling circus... six years ago... from a life of abuse and malnutrition. Jupiter was severely emaciated then. Now, he is one of about 800 previously maltreated residents at her "Villa Lorena" animal shelter (which she founded 16 years ago) in a poor suburb of the city. Jupiter is relatively lucky... compared to a mountain lion that had been kept illegally as a pet. Both its front legs were hacked off after it clawed at a family member's face. I wonder... how human beings (Homo sapiens sapiens - Latin: "wise man" or "knowing man")... supposed to be the wisest and the most evolved among all other species on earth, can behave in such a crude and cruel manner. Any answers... ???

"It is amazing to see an animal like that be so sweet and affectionate," said Torres. "This hug is the most sincere one that I have received in my life." Torres, 47, said her work... of rehabilitating animals began more than a decade ago when a friend gave her an owl that had been kept as a pet. Later, when she asked her students to bring their pets to school, she realized many families illegally kept wild fauna from Colombia's biologically diverse jungles in their homes. The number of animals under her care grew, and now Jupiter is one among 800 recovering inmates/residents at "Villa Lorena", where Torres looks after, among others, burned peacocks, limbless flamengos, blind monkeys and mutilated elephants. Most of the animals are caged, though some, like iguanas, roam freely around the grounds of the shelter, which are enclosed by a 13-foot wall. Torres said she relies on donations and her modest teacher's salary to run the shelter. "We dedicate our lives to the care of these animals without one single peso from the state," Torres said.... adding that many of the animals were rejected as infants by their parents in the wild or found abandoned on the streets of Cali. Since she opposes exhibiting animals in circuses, she decided to keep her shelter closed to the public... and she is adamant that it will remain that way. "We want the animals to live in peace. This is a paradise where they can finally rest." One never knows in what form God appears... to help those who are in pain and in need of help. For these abandoned and traumatized birds and animals... God has appeared in the form of Ana Julia Torres. Let's all wish her well, and much success.

This extraordinary bond of friendship between two completely different species reminded me of another story... the story of 'Androcles and the Lion' (from the Aesop's Fables). A story that has stayed with me ever since I read it as a child - because it illustrates so clearly how becoming aware of the wounds the instinct carries and healing them brings rich rewards in the arena of life. Apart from reinforcing the following... time tested and well proven... morals: "A friend in need is a friend indeed" and that "one good deed deserves another". Let me narrate this story again...

Androcles was a Roman slave who had been taken to North Africa. He tried to escape to the coast and return to Rome. He knew that if he were caught he would be killed, so he waited until the nights were dark and moonless before creeping out of his master's house and stealing through the town into the open country. He hurried as fast as he could but when day broke he found that instead of reaching the sea coast, he was in a forest. He was tired, frightened, hungry and thirsty. Seeing a cave in the side of some cliffs, he crept into it, lay down and very soon fell asleep. He was awakened by a terrible roar and to his horror, saw a huge lion standing at the entrance to the cave. Androcles had been sleeping in the lion's den. There was no escape. The great lion barred the way. Androcles waited for the lion to spring on him and kill him but it did not move. Instead, it moaned and licked one of its paws that seemed to be bleeding. Seeing that the animal was in great pain, Androcles overcame his fear and came forward. The lion held up its paw, as if asking for help. Androcles then saw that a huge thorn had become embedded in the paw... cut it and made it swell. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the lion. Relieved of pain, the grateful lion licked his hand, then limped out of the cave, and in a few minutes returned with a dead rabbit, which it laid at Androcles' feet. When he had managed to light a fire, cooked and eaten it, the lion led him to a spring of fresh water gushing out of the earth. For three years, man and lion lived in the cave... quite happily... with the lion bringing him food everyday. Then... one day, both Androcles and the lion were captured.

Androcles was sent as a fugitive slave to Rome. There he was condemned to be killed by wild beasts in the Colosseum on the first public holiday. A vast multitude of spectators came to see the sight, including the Emperor. Androcles was pushed into the great open space and a lance was thrust into his hand. With this, he was told, he was to defend himself against the powerful lion which had been kept for days without food to make it savage and fierce. Androcles trembled when the ravenous lion sprang out of its cage with a terrible roar, and the lance shook in his grasp as the great beast came bounding up to him. But instead of knocking him to the ground with a blow of it's paw, it began to lick his hands. To his great amazement... Androcles saw that it was the same lion with which he had lived in the forest. He patted it and leaned on it's head and cried. All the spectators marvelled at the strange scene and the astonished Emperor sent for Androcles, asking him for an explanation. Upon hearing Androcles' tale, so surprised (and delighted) was the Emperor that he immediately ordered the slave (Androcles) to be pardoned and freed, and released the lion into the forest, too.

Androcles had two encounters with the lion: the first was in the wilderness, the lion’s domain; the second in the Roman arena, symbolically the arena of life. There are, even in this children's story, undertones of heroic myth... telling the story of the man who makes the journey into the wilderness of his soul, there... to be reconciled with the instinctual powers symbolized by the lion, whose wound he heals. He then makes the return journey into the world. There, in the fearful arena of life, instead of having his life destroyed by the wounded and enraged animal, he has its support and friendship. To make friends with the lion and to take the thorn out of it;s paw is to receive the protection and guidance of the instinctual powers of the soul.




Homo sapiens sapiens: A human is a member of a species of bipedal primates in the family Hominidae (taxonomically Homo sapiens - Latin: "wise man" or "knowing man").

Androcles and the Lion is a 1912 play written by George Bernard Shaw. Androcles and the Lion is Shaw's retelling of the tale of Androcles, a slave who is saved by the requited mercy of a lion. A film version, Androcles and the Lion was made of the play in 1952, produced by Gabriel Pascal. A later film version is from 1973, produced by Ronald Smedley.

Photograph:

In Cali, Colombia, through the bars of his cage, an African lion named 'Jupiter' stretches his giant paws and clasps Ana Julia Torres before giving her a kiss. It is a 'kiss of gratitude'. (Photo courtesy: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1290483.ece)

Monday, July 20, 2009

The ABC Tag...!




I have been tagged again... by Shilpa. She wants me to complete this... in 2 days. Quite an interesting tag, I must say. Its the 'ABC Tag'. You get to know the ABC of ME!

Now the rules:
  • Link the person who tagged you.
  • Post the rules on your blog.
  • Share the ABCs of you.
  • Tag 3 people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
  • Let the 3 tagged people know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
  • Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so that there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag!

So, here's the ABC of ME...

A – Available/Single? None (I do not endorse the other form of 'MBA' – 'Married But Available'... you see! :D)
BBest friend? Mahesh.
C – Cake or Pie? Cake.
D – Drink of choice? Darjeeling Tea/Filter Coffee (Sorry, couldn't decide which one I like better).
E – Essential item you use every day?
Oxygen ;)
F – Favorite colour?
All of them. It's beyond me... as to how folks can 'choose' their 'favourite' colour. Have they ever looked at flowers... ?? I ask you!
G – Gummy Bears Or Worms? None.
H – Hometown? The
Silicon Valley of India/IT City/BT City/Garden City aka Bangal-ore/Bengal-uru (Even though trees and gardens are disappearing by the day... the city still retains them... in its pseudonym!)
I – Indulgence?
I am a voracious reader... really...!!!
J – January or February? Both.
K – Kids & their names?
Not applicable.
L – Life is incomplete without?
My soulmate.
M – Marriage date?
June 17!
N – Number of siblings? One.
O – Oranges or Apples?
Oranges... in their juice form. Yummyyyy!
P – Phobias/Fears?
Whats that... ??? I am 'fearless'...I'd be disappointed if you didn't know that already... !!! ;)
Q – Quote for today?
I have 3 of them, actually... and I like all 3: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."/"The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."/"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."
R – Reason to smile? Do I need one?
S – Season? Spring.
T – Tag 3 People?
Surely, will do!
U – Unknown fact about me?
I have two left feet :)
V – Vegetable you don't like?
Quite a few of them... if I have them in my food... you are sure to find a 'Great Wall of China' building up around my plate ;)
W – Worst habit?
'Procrastination'... sometimes. Mind you, its actually my 'busy phase' ;)
X – X-rays you've had? One day, when
I was little... about 3 years old... I was jumping up and down on the bed... fell down and broke my collar bone (clavicle). I did not cry... did not let a peep out, infact. The broken collar bone was discovered after nearly 2 days. There... didn't I tell you... I am 'fearless'... ?!! :D
Y – Your favorite food? Too many, can't note down. If I try to... I'll get hungry! *a very sad face* You can have a glimpse of some of them, though:
Krishnokolee র Kitchen and Kitchen flavours.
Z – Zodiac sign? I am a Libran - I balance!


I Tag... in Alphabetical Order: Dhiman, Kaddu and Sumit. Guys and the fair lady... please get cracking!


Note: I have a few 'tags' pending already... from Shilpa and Subhayan. Will complete them... soon. I promise!

Also, the 'breaking news' is that... the Alexa Traffic Rank for my blog is currently at 222,437 *Clap! Clap! Clap!*


Photograph:

1. Alphabets A-Z in 'light writing' (Courtesy: http://www.davidairey.com/alphabet-photo-art-gallery/)

2. Alphabets A, B and C (Courtesy: http://akidsheart.com/threer/lvl1/abc.htm)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, Zara Aankh Mein Bhar Lo Paani... Jo Shaheed Huye Hain Unki, Zara Yaad Karo Qurbaani...



It has been a decade and nine days since the historic capture of the Tiger Hill at Kargil. July 8, 1999 will remain in our hearts and minds and in the pages of history... for the patriotism, bravery, valour, daring, courage, dedication and the never say die attitude of our brave soldiers. Our best, nay... our best of the best... who did their duty for their motherland, and continue to do so... come what may.

Their willingness to make the supreme sacrifice for their country, their motherland... the land of their birth, the same land where their ancestors were born, raised and went back to... are the stuff that legends are made of. These young men... rather boys, gave their today, to protect us, gave their today... to secure our tomorrow. They still inspire others to take their place and stand guard... so that we can continue to sleep in peace. Let us not forget this even for a moment and crib that we lead 'ordinary', 'mundane' lives... 'coz the life we lead... comes at a very high price, indeed. Of several lives... sacrificed at the altar of patriotism. Of several families losing a loved one... a son, a husband, a brother, a father, an uncle... over the years, so that we 'ordinary' souls can go to: school, college, picnics, theatre, classes, work, watch TV, watch a match, play games, celebrate festivals, read books, attend functions, go to the market... and so on... without fear.

These brave sons of this great country... sacrifice a 'normal' life... the 'mundane' ones that we lead... stay away from their families and loved ones, for days on end... to stand vigil at our borders and coastlines... protecting their home... and ours... this land called "Bharatvarsha". A quote by Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra, PVC... one of the martyrs of the Kargil War, come to my mind: "Our flag flies high. It does not matter if I come home wrapped in it." Profound and heroic words, indeed... from a brave and great man. But, he was still so young... only 25.

There were several of them, all young men snuffed out in the prime of their lives. Shaheed Lt. Saurabh Kalia - of the 4 JAT Regiment (Infantry), he was the first martyr in the Kargil War. In the first fortnight of May 1999, he went out for patrol duty three times in the Kaksar area of Kargil. He observed and reported large-scale intrusion of Pak Army and foreign mercenaries in the Indian side of LoC (Kargil). He assumed guard of "Bajrang Post" at the height 13,000-14,000 feet to check the infiltration along with 5 soldiers in the Kaksar area. On May 15, 1999, after a continuous cross fire with Pakistan armed forces from across the LoC, he and his troops ran out of ammunition. It is also believed that their signal instrument was out of order, or not working in those conditions. They were finally encircled by a platoon of Pakistan rangers and captured alive before any Indian reinforcement could reach for their help. They were in their captivity for over twenty-two (May 15, 1999 – June 7, 1999) days and subjected to unprecedented brutal torture as evident from their bodies handed over by the Pakistan Army on June 9, 1999.

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav - of 18 Grenadiers, in the early morning hours of 4 July 1999 was part of the Commando 'Ghatak' Platoon tasked to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill. He was instrumental in capturing the strategic Tiger Hill during the Kargil War. He was only a boy, yes... a mere boy of 19. Yet, he performed a feat that millions of men-in-arms only dream of - a dream that becomes a reality for only a handful. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra - the country's highest military honour for valour. The sole survivor of an attack on Tiger Hill, he took 15 bullets in the process of clearing two bunkers. His arm broken, he rolled down the hill to warn of an impending attack.

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar - of the 13 JAK Rifles, who killed five enemy personnel, lifting a machine gun while having been hit by a bullet in the thigh muscle, lobbying a grenade and clearing an important army post in "Operation Vijay"... and all this, while capturing an army post in the Mushkoh Valley. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra and is only one of a handful of personnel to be conferred this highest military award. He was once a taxi driver who was rejected thrice by the army. Ordinary men in extraordinary moments. This truly is the stuff of heroism. But heroism is more than adulation and celebration. It leaves behind a legacy that transcends the hero. Kargil has done that. The Rajputs in Sanjay's native village have a tradition of sending their men to the army since the days of the British. "Our lands may be barren but they are fertile grounds for warriors," says ex-serviceman Shadi Lal, 72. Sanjay's exploits and subsequent decoration has only increased the recruitment to the army from the area... it is a celebration of tradition.

"Ya toh Tiranga lehrake awunga, ya fir Tirange mein lipta huwa awunga, lekin awunga" (Either I will come back after hoisting the Indian flag, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure) - Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra, PVC. He fought with exceptional bravery and courage, which is rarely seen. Captain Vikram Batra, of the 13 JAK Rifles, and his 'Delta Company' were given the task of recapturing Point 5140. Nicknamed 'Sher Shah' ('Lion King' in Hindi) for his unstinting courage, he decided to lead the rear, as an element of surprise would help stupefy the enemy. He and his men ascended the steep rock-cliff, but as the group neared the top, the enemy pinned them on the face of the bare cliff with machine gun fire. Captain Batra, along with five of his men, climbed up regardless and after reaching the top, hurled two grenades at the machine gun post. He single-handedly killed three enemy soldiers in close combat. He was seriously injured during this, but insisted on regrouping his men to continue with the mission. Inspired by the courage displayed by Captain Batra, the soldiers of 13 JAK Rifles charged the enemy position and captured Point 5140 at 3:30 a.m. on 20 June 1999. His company is credited with killing at least eight Pakistani soldiers and recovering a heavy machine gun. The capture of Point 5140 set in motion a string of successes, such as Point 5100, Point 4700, Junction Peak and Three Pimples. Along with fellow Captain Anuj Nayyar, Batra led his men to victory with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875. He was killed when he tried to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counterattack against Point 4875 in the early morning hours of 7 July 1999. His last words were, "Jai Mata Di" ('Hail the Divine Mother'). Even in death, Capt. Batra has kept alive Kangra's valiant fighting tradition. For Palampur, the decoration (Batra's PVC) has come as a blow softener. The town was initially outraged when Pakistan sent back the mutilated body of its son, Lieutenant Saurabh Kalia. With Capt. Batra's heroics... it was the birth of another legend and the continuation of it's glorious martial tradition.

He has set an example before the youth of our nation, which shall inspire generations to come. In recognition of his gallant act, 'Point 4875' has now been renamed as 'Captain Vikram Batra Top'. He has received all credit for capturing this vital peak from his Commanding Officer, Colonel Y.K. Joshi, 13 JAK Rifles. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. Batra's Yeh Dil Maange More! (My heart asks for more!), erstwhile a popular slogan for a Pepsi commercial, became an iconic battle cry that swept across the country and remains popular with millions of Indians. It is invoked at patriotic public events, in memory of the war and the soldiers, and as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Indian patriotism and valour in the face of future attacks.

Shaheed Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey - of 1/11 Gurkha Rifles, he forced back the intruders from the Batalik sector on 11 June 1999. He led his men to recapture the Jubar Top, a feature of great operational importance. But his finest hour was in the capture of Khalubar in the early morning hours of 3 July 1999. On the night of 2/3 July 1999, the battalion's progress on to its final objective, was halted by a determined enemy firmly entrenched on commanding heights. Clearing it was critical as the battalion faced the prospect of being day lighted in a vulnerable area. Lieutenant Pandey stepped forward to take on the mission. Quickly sizing up the situation, the young officer led his platoon along a narrow, treacherous ridge that led to the enemy position. While still short of the objective, the enemy fired upon the Indian soldiers effectively stalling the Indian attack. Displaying great courage, he surged ahead of his troops and charged at the enemy with a full throated battle cry through a hail of bullets. His last words were, "Na Chodnu" (Don't Spare Them). He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage and leadership during adverse times, posthumously.

Shaheed Captain Anuj Nayyar - a junior officer of the 17 Jat Regiment, he displayed indomitable resolve, grit and determination and motivated his command by personal example, acting beyond the call of duty. He set a fine example in conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice. Anuj's 'Charlie Company' was tasked to capture an objective which was part of the Pimple Complex on the western slopes of Point 4875, at a height of 16,250 feet. At the beginning of the attack, the Company Commander got injured and the command of the company fell on Captain Anuj Nayyar. The enemy, which was well entrenched, brought heavy volume of automatic fire. Captain Nayyar, unmindful of his personal safety, motivated his men and cleared two more bunkers. While clearing the fourth bunker, an enemy RPG shell killed him on the spot. In this action, Captain Nayyar killed nine enemy soldiers and destroyed three medium machine gun bunkers of the enemy. The success of this operation, after a brief setback, was largely due to the outstanding personal bravery and exemplary combat skills of the young Captain. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest gallantry award, for his heroics.

Naik Digendra Kumar - is a recipient of the Nation's second highest wartime gallantry award, the Mahavir Chakra - awarded to him on 15th August 1999, for his acts of bravery in the Kargil War in recapturing Tololing hill on 13 June 1999. He retired from 2 Rajputana Rifles of the Indian Army on 31 July 2005. He was the Best Commando of the Indian army and had acquired the skill to hit a target on the basis of only sound. Digendra was commander of the Light Machine Gun Group during his company's assault on Tololing feature in Dras Sector. The objective was to capture a well-fortified enemy post located in a treacherous high altitude terrain at over 15000 feet. Major Vivek Gupta of 2 Rajputana Rifles, and his Company was given the task of recapturing Point 5490. On 13 June 1999, when the Assault Group was nearing its objective it came under effective enemy fire of a well-concealed universal machine gun and heavy machine gun leading to heavy casualties in the Assault Group. Naik Digendra Kumar was hit by a bullet in his left arm. Undaunted and unmindful of his own injury, Naik Digendra Kumar kept firing with one hand and brought down some effective and accurate Light Machine Gun fire on the enemy. His accurate fire kept the enemy's head down while his own men advanced towards the objective. Finally, under his effective covering fire, his troops physically assaulted the enemy position and cleared it after a hand to hand fight. Despite being seriously wounded, it was due to his courageous action that the Assault Group could finally capture the objective. Retaking Tololing was truly the turning point of the war. Finally, Digendra with great difficulty could reach the top, recapture the hill and put the Indian tri-colour on it... on 13 June 1999 at four o'clock in the morning. The Indian Army reached Tololing peak early in the morning and found heaps of dead soldiers. The Indian tri-colour flag was hoisted and on its side was Naik Digendra Kumar in an unconscious state with the cut head of Major Anwar Khan of the Pakistan Army in his hand.

Shaheed Major Vivek Gupta - of 2 Rajputana Rifles, was leading a dangerous uphill assault against entrenched intruders. He captured two bunkers before being cut down. Vivek died on June 12 after capturing two difficult posts on the wind-swept, icy slopes of the Drass sector. He perished on the battlefront when a fusillade of bullets from the Pakistanis tore open his torso, but not before he and his company men had slain seven members in the enemy camp. Death came swiftly, said a colleague, who saw Vivek mowed down by that first burst from a bunker and from the hills. Death can be very lonely in Kargil. The major lay in the snow alongside dead colleagues for two days. It was only on June 15 that a team could keep the enemy fire at bay and secure his body from the slopes. It ended, literally, exactly seven years of army life for "Vicky" who was commissioned in the 2nd Rajputana Rifles on June 13, 1992. A National Defence Academy graduate, Vivek once told his father (Lt-Colonel [retd] B.R.S. Gupta) that he wasn't just interested in "counting socks and trousers" in the army. That was in response to his father's attempts to get him a posting in one of the safer divisions like Ordnance. "I am proud of my son, in my eyes he died a hero," wept the senior Gupta. Vivek would have liked that.

Shaheed Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari - of 18 Grenadiers, fought valiantly till the end. When heavy fighting broke out in the Kargil region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir owing to planned infiltration by militants backed by the Pakistan army, the Indian Army was ordered to clear the heights of those intruders. Many tough battles took place in the region. It was in one of the most significant battles, the Battle of Tololing, where Rajesh made a valiant sacrifice. He was posthumously awarded the second highest Indian Army decoration, the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery on the battlefield.

Shaheed Capt. Vijayanth Thapar - of 2 Rajputana Rifles. After the initial assault by Major Mohit Saxena* (2 Rajputana Rifles) was held up, on the night of 12th June '99, Capt. Vijayant Thapar (Robin) led his platoon to capture Barbad Bunker. After the successful capture of Tololing he was given the task of capturing Three Pimples, Knoll and Lone Hill area. The attack started with Vijyant's platoon leading on a full moon night along a razor sharp ridge wih no cover to offer. There was intense and accurate artillery shelling and heavy enemy fire. He lost some of his dear men and some more were injured causing the attack to be disrupted. However with his indominable spirit and tremendous urge to capture Knoll, he got the remaining men together and moved through a ravine to face the enemy. It was a full moon night. Moreover this was an impossible position to capture. The troops of 6 Northern Light Infantry had all the disadvantages. Strongly prepared positions one narrow knife edge ridge, with precipitous slopes on both side, ravines thousands of feet deep, devoid of cover and almost vertical climbs at places.

While the exchange of fire was going on, an excited Vijayant reached his company which had already secured a foothold on Knoll. By this time his company commander Major Padmapani Acharya had been killed (the 31-year-old Major fell to enemy artillery fire while fighting to recapture Point 4700 in the Kargil sector on June 28. He killed three enemy soldiers before giving up his life). At this news Vijayant's anger was explosive. He surged ahead with his colleague Naik Tilak Singh. Both of them started engaging the enemy merely 15 mts. away. There were two enemy machine guns firing towards them. After about an hour and a half of fierce exchange of bullets and abuses, Vijayant decided that he had to finish the enemy. As he moved up to do so a burst of fire struck him on his head. He fell in the arms of his comrade Naik Tilak Singh. A brave son of India had fallen... a young man... only 22 years old. Thereafter, the men of his company charged and fully captured Knoll. The victory at Knoll on 29 June 1999, is a saga of bravery unmatched, of unbounded grit and determination. It was raw courage and the unflinching faith in the almighty God that turned a tactically impossible situation into a victory. For this act of bravery and his ultimate sacrifice, Capt. Vijayanth Thapar was awarded the Vir Chakra.

Shaheed Major Padmapani Acharya - of 2 Rajputana Rifles. A company commander, he was assigned to capture Knoll in area Black Rock, a heavily fortified enemy position with coordinated mine fields, sweeping machine guns, artillery fire and bunkers in mutual support. The success of the Brigade operations, hinged on the early capture of the Knoll. However, the company was pinned down by a heavy volume of fire of UMG from a bunker atop the Knoll which was the only approach. Realizing that the elimination of this bunker was essential for the progress of the attack... and even as his men were falling to enemy fire, Maj. Acharya continued to encourage them and charged at the enemy with the reserve platoon up the steep rock face. Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy's bunker, he crawled up to the bunker and lobbed grenades. Severely injured and unable to move, he ordered his men to leave him and charge at the enemy while he continued to fire. The bunker was finally over-run and the objective was captured. Even after being grievously injured, Major Acharya engaged the Pakistan regulars in hand to hand fight and killed one of them before succumbing to his injuries. By then, the mission was accomplished. The dynamism, raw courage, personal example and supreme sacrifice of Major Acharya enthused the troops and the Knoll was quickly overrun, providing the Battalion its foot hold on 'Black Rock'.

A few days before the capture of Tololing Top, Major Acharya ('Babloo' to his family) wrote a letter to his father in which he added a quote from the "Bhagavad Gita" which stated, "Hato va prapyasi swargam, Jitva va bhokshijasey mahim, taduthisht kaunteya, yudhaya kritnishchayaha." (Die and you are assured heaven [i.e., you'll go to heaven], conquer and you will enjoy sovereignty on the Earth; therefore, stand up, O Kaunteya [Arjuna] and fight with full determination.) For conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Major Padmapani Acharya was honoured with the second highest Indian Army decoration, the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously. He had married Charulata in January 1996... and she was expecting their first child in September '99. Before his martyrdom, the Major had revealed... he had a bet with his wife that the baby would be a girl. A test had showed that he had lost and he owed Charulata a gold necklace...

Shaheed Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum - of 12 J&K Light Infantry. On the night of 30 June/01 July 1999, in the operations to capture Point 4812, Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum was tasked to assault the feature from South-Eastern direction. Lieutenant Nongrum led his column over the near impossible vertical feature. On reaching the top, his column encountered strong enemy opposition. The enemy was well entrenched in interconnected bunkers, carved out of boulders, and remained invulnerable to even artillery fire. The enemy pinned the column of Lieutenant Nongrum down with heavy and accurate automatic fire for about two hours. On seeing the futility of their own fire against the fortified bunkers, Lieutenant Nongrum with utter disregard to personal safety charged through the fire zone. Closing in on the first bunker he threw grenades into it and killed six enemy soldiers. He then tried to snatch the universal machine gun of the enemy from the bunker and received a volley of bullets. The audacious action of Lieutenant Nongrum stunned the enemy giving valuable reaction time to his troops to close in and finally clear the position. Though severely wounded, Lieutenant Nongrum refused to be evacuated and fought valiantly till he succumbed to his injuries. This act resulted in the ultimate capture of Point 4812. For conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum was honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously.

Actually, on the night of July 1, after weeks of fighting, Clifford's company found itself just 50 m short of post 4812. "It was in his nature to lead. When he was younger, he formed "Maitshaphrang" (march forward), a football team, in our locality. When he went to the army, they said they'd lost their Captain," says Clifford's father Keishing Peter. Clifford's men would also lose their Captain that night, but not the battle for Point 4812. And not before he ran towards an enemy bunker, alone, under heavy fire, lobbed a grenade inside it; fought off enemy soldiers hand to hand and charged on to destroy the next bunker. As the enemy bullets hit Clifford Nongrum on the chest that night, he knew he was never going to see his family or have a chance to lead his beloved football team again. Freezing as he was in his perforated uniform, a citation from his juniors at the National Defence Academy may have come to his mind. They gave it to him after he floored a boxer much bigger than him at an academy competition. It said: "To the killers. Winners by instinct. Kill'em, Kut'em (sic) Kneel not." Nongrum fell that night. But he didn't kneel. Don't blame the grave diggers; it is difficult to lay such a man down.

Maj. Sonam Wangchuk - of Ladakh Scouts (Indus Wing). On one of the world's most brutal battlefields, his colleagues and officers say, Wangchuk has captured a vital mountain ridge in the Chorbat La sub-sector near Batalik, giving the army a foothold that it desperately needed. "Thanks to his heroic action, we are sitting bang on the LoC in Chorbat La," said a Ladakh Scouts officer. On May 26, when Wangchuk got his orders, he promised his son he would return for his birthday on June 11. Given his battle experience in the Siachen glacier, Wangchuk was the obvious choice for the assault. Two days later he was asked to capture an 18,000-ft high ridge just inside the Indian side of the LoC. Glacial and rocky, with days warming to minus 6 degrees Celsius, the mountain with its 80 degree gradient was a test even for skilled mountaineers. Information filtering in over wireless dispatches from the LoC describe how while leading a platoon (36 men) and supported by artillery fire from the rear positions, Wangchuk was negotiating an ice wall in the dead of night on May 31 when he heard sounds of picks and hammers on the other side of the ridge facing Pakistan. He quickly flashed a wireless message to the rear. Wangchuk and his men made it to the ridge top in three hours under heavy fire by Pakistani troops from the flanks. The mountains rang with the Ladakh Scouts' war cry, "Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo" (The Gods will triumph), as the superbly fit Wangchuk - he was a top athlete at Delhi's Modern School - led his men towards the brutal enemy-held cliffs. From there they spotted a group of intruders trying to scale the ridge from the Pakistan side. Wangchuk told his men to hold on till the enemy came within firing range. Four intruders were killed in the gun-battle. Wangchuk and his column had foiled a major infiltration attempt. The soldiers then retrieved the bodies of the intruders who turned out to be Pakistani Army regulars. This soft-spoken Buddhist soldier gave India one of its major footholds in the icy mountains. Maj. Sonam Wangchuk is the only living Maha Vir Chakra recipient of the regiment.

Shaheed Captain N. Kenguruse: of 2 Rajputana Rifles; he climbed a rock face, secured a foothold for his troops, before being shot. He was a "Warrier of the Mist". A man with a tongue twister of a name: Neikezhakuo Kenguruse. "Neibu" to his family and friends, "Nimbu Sahab" to the north Indian soldiers who served under him. On the night of June 28, Neibu led a commando team whose mission was to capture enemy positions perched on top of Lone Hill in the Drass sector. Neibu volunteered to take on Lone Hill ahead of his men of a commando platoon to secure a rope at the top so they could follow. The rock face hung at obtuse angles. His boots lost grip on the slippery surface. So at 16,000 ft and minus 10 degrees, he decided to become the primeval Naga warrior once again: he kicked off his shoes and made the climb. Once on top, he placed a light machine gun to hold the enemy. They replied with a volley of fire. He killed four of them before bullets blew him off the cliff. He fell 200 ft. His last words were - "Do not leave them" - as he rolled down taking two enemies. He had in fact continued to climb while he had two bullets in his leg. His troops went on to capture Lone Hill. When the job was done, they looked down at the dark depths where he lay, dead, and cried themselves hoarse: "Yeh aapki jeet hai Nimbu Sahab. Yeh aapki jeet hai (this is your victory)." He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously, for his heroics.

There are innumerable such martyrs who carried the torch and sacrificed their lives for a free, peaceful, and prosperous nation. It is impossible to record every legacy, but... here are a few links containing the names and stories of many more: http://kargil.myiris.com/Gallantry/galstory.html, http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/19990830/defence.html, http://www.teluguone.com/managurinchi/myindia/index.jsp?filename=kargil15.htm (this also contains the last letter written by Capt. Vijyant Thapar, to his parents. Moments before the final assault Capt. Vijyant Thapar [Robin] left this letter at the war front base, to be handed over to his family... among other info), http://www.captainvijyantthapar.com/pilgrimage.html (Captain Vijyant Thapar's father makes the pilgrimage to the war zone; his son had asked him to be there. "If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for your tomorrow," the last letter from his son read. And that was the time that Thapar senior made up his mind. Vijyant's mother Tripta, was supportive and so was the Army), http://www.indianarmy.nic.in/ota/arotakheros.htm, http://www.angelfire.com/nc/navincharles/trifull.html, http://members.rediff.com/wolf17679/kar4.html and http://www.stormloader.com/ajawan/opt3_3.html. Please read through them. Heroism, it is said, is endurance for one moment more. Each one of them are a Warrior and a Hero... and many... even a martyr. Each of them had this as their last words for the nation... "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." We Salute these Great Soldiers of India and a grateful nation remembers all the Kargil Heroes and pay their homage to these brave men. Martyrs never die... the legacies that they have created transcend their deeds in battle.

I recall the events... of the Kargil War.... vividly, even though a decade has now passed by. It was the sheer bravery of our boys which carried the day for us. None of the martyrs took bullets on their backs... they looked at danger and death in the eye... and won, against heavy odds. They continue to do so... every single day, even though all of them are not reported in the media. Victory in Kargil was the outcome of the supreme sacrifice by the soldiers of this country, displaying valor with dignity. Kargil was not an easy win. The terrain was tough and the enemy was perched comfortably on high mountain peaks. The task was to regain the occupied peaks. The Kargil victory was a tarvel for the Indian Armed forces as they conducted the war without violating any international norms.

Let us salute our martyrs' families... the sons, daughters, spouses, mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces... who bear their loss with such fortitude, and without a complaint. Their dignity and selflessness is a lesson for all of us. Their sacrifice is too great to be even imagined.

Some time back, I was watching a programme on television... regarding the '65 war. Some of the terrains where our soldiers fought were difficult... and in those days 'ration' was a problem, in certain areas. A war veteran said... while he and his comrades were firing at the enemy from their positions, they found many local women running towards them with buckets in hand. These women took up positions next to the soldiers... and it was then that they (the soldiers) discovered that those buckets contained daal/sabzi and rotis. The soldiers told the women that they could not eat now as the enemy will take advantage of the situation, and that it was dangerous for them (the women) to be there in the battlefield... they could get hit. Their reply startled them. The women had complete faith in our soldiers' abilities, and did not care or even worry about being hit by enemy bullets or the fact that they were in the battlefiled. They calmly replied, "toh kya hua, tum firing chalu rakho, hum roti tod kar tumhare muh mein daalte rahenge." The surprised soldiers were inspired by this and fought with renewed vigour... the rest as they say is history. But... I sometimes wonder why our 'historians' and 'writers' do not document these stories...

Let us never show any disrespect towards our martyrs, our soldiers, their families and even the people who live close to the border areas and bear hardships from time to time... and even to any of our fellow countrymen and women. Let us never tolerate any disrespect of our national flag, our national anthem and our national song... our brave have fought for and laid down their lives for them... for our tri-colour. Once we do that... the rest will follow. We can and will be 'one' nation... forever. In Sanskrit, there is a saying... "Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gareeyasi"... which means, the Mother and the Motherland is greater than all other things, even greater than the Heavens themselves. Let us never forget this.

The soil of this great land has been and still is... very fertile... in producing 'quislings'/'traitors'. But... this very soil has also produced innumerable 'heroes', 'heroines' and 'martyrs' and still continues to give rise to them. And will continue to do so for all times to come. As for the perpetrators of Kargil and other assorted warmongers... the less said, the better. They have been and will be consigned to the 'dustbins' of time and history. In memory of "Vijay Divas", 26th July, let us bow our heads to the great heroes of India who laid down their lives so that we are safe today. They sacrificed their today, for our better tomorrow. For their sake and ours, let us pledge to give our best for our motherland. Each time and every time. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!

Here are some links, that contain the videos as well... which you must watch. You will have goosebumps and will get misty-eyed... at the end of it:

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5OVMrad5iQ - "Where the mind is without fear" composed again by the great poet-laureate 'Kabiguru' Rabindranath Tagore. This is Kabiguru's dream of a free and glorious India. (Read by: Samuel Godfrey George)
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oaeRETlBzk - Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna sings the Robindro Shongeet: "Aguner Poroshmoni".
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8HS2qExgLQ - The Indian army in Siachen (along with our National Anthem). This is the most difficult battlefield in the world.
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6PHJg9D_Sk - "Vande Mataram" from Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay's "Anand Mutt" remains the classic Indian National Song. This song was sung by the music icon Lata Mangeshkar and the Music Director was the great Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay.
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvG6ptzc1Go&feature=related - "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon"... Indian Patriotic Song, composed by C. Ramchandra and lyrics by Pradeep. In 1962, when Lata Mangeshkar sang this song, it moved everyone to tears...
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22ACyKyOGXQ - "Dhano Dhanno Pushpo Bhora"... rendered by the peerless M.S. Subbulakshmi. This is a popular bengali patriotic song written by Dwijendralal Roy in the late 19th century. This song played a big part in the Indian freedom struggle and continues to be extremely popular in Bengal even today. M.S. Subbulakshmi is not just the foremost proponent of Carnatic classical music but also embodies the best in human values. She also has a great history going back to many of the great leaders of our freedom struggle. Hence it is a treat to see such a historic song sung by her.

I will end this post with The First Stanza of our National Song, "Vande Mataram" (by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay). It is a song which instilled confidence and courage into many... along with profound patriotism:

Vande Mataram!
Sujalam, suphalam, malayaja shitalam,
Shasyashyamalam, Mataram
Shubhrajyothsna pulakitayaminim,
Phullakusumita drumadala shobhinim,
Suhasinim sumadhura bhashinim,
Sukhadam varadam, Mataram!

The English translation by Sri Aurobindo is as below:

I bow to thee, Mother,
richly-watered, richly-fruited,
cool with the winds of the south,
dark with the crops of the harvests,
The Mother!
Her nights rejoicing
in the glory of the moonlight,
her lands clothed beautifully
with her trees in flowering bloom,
Sweet of laughter, sweet of speech,
The Mother, giver of boons, giver of bliss.



Note: Links courtesy: YouTube. Some info courtesy: Wikipedia.

*Major Mohit Saxena: who led his company to capture 3 Pimples or Black Rock, while narrating his moments of triumph said he had undertaken a reconnaissance of the area before the assault. "It was a full moonlight night. We were lucky to cut their communications as we cut their wires. While we were climbing, we noticed a couple of new features which we had probably missed during our recce of the feature," he recalled.

At the first feature, MMG fire came on us. Then we had a sheer vertical cliff to climb which fell on us as we climbed it. Next day, when we started the climb again, I had the misfortune of seeing Lt. Nikhzakau Kengusi ("Nimbu") rolling down the cliff after being bombarded with stones and boulders. I remember his last words - "Do not leave them" - as he rolled down taking two enemies. He had in fact continued to climb while he had two bullets in his leg. Havildar Sharwan, who was also injured and continued to climb, also fell to the fury of stones and boulders. Before dying, he, too, killed a couple of the enemy.

"I had another setback when my radio operator also rolled down snapping my communication network. Unperturbed by these reverses, we continued our fight. It was fierce. We killed two more enemies before they started fleeing. They used ropes to climb down from the cliff rock. The last platoon of my company encountered them and killed two more. It was around 4 in the morning that the operation ended in a triumph for us," recalls Major Saxena.

Photographs:

The Indian National Flag... our tri-colour... fluttering proudly atop one of the captured points at Kargil.


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