Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS / DV)

Mangaluru, Jul 26: Padma Vibhushan Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala on Sunday July 26 inaugurated the 'Sainik Bhavan' of Dakshina Kannada Ex-servicemen's association at Light House Hill road here, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Veerendra Heggade said, "We are able to move around freely and involve in our day-to-day activities because of our soldiers who are protecting our country. We need to acknowledge their sacrifices. Soldiers leave their families and sacrifice themselves for the nation. Our youngsters should be inspired and encouraged to join the army but that is not happening. It is sad. Earlier, NCC was compulsory in schools but now it is not, which is a big loss.

"People who fought for our freedom are called freedom fighters and children study about them, but those who have been protecting our nation after independence should also be known by our younger generation. We need to tell our youngsters the importance of protecting the nation. Soldiers are well-disciplined not only during service but even after retirement. This needs to be followed by our youngsters. Here there are so many soldiers who have served the nation, and I pay my respect to all of you. You have built this organization and let it grow. I wish you all the success," he added.

MLC Captain Ganesh Karnik said, "Kargil was the most difficult war, in which 521 soldiers lost their lives defending the nation. One should inculcate the spirit of patriotism towards the country. Soldiers sacrifice their tomorrows so that we can live in peace today. It has taken 8 years to complete this 'Sainik Bhavan' - that itself is something to think about. There has been lapse on the part of the administration."

Vinay Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University said, "In a way it does not feel right to celebrate this occasion, as over 500 soldiers lost their lives in this war. Remembering all the soldiers who have lost their lives is very essential. I congratulate all the ex servicemen who have built this Sainik Bhavan. Various activities like training the students who want to get into the military and many other activities can be done in the Sainik Bhavan. Everyone needs to know about the sacrifices our soldiers have made, and it should be also included in textbooks, so that children will also learn about the sacrifices.

"For all of us, this one day is Kargil Vijay Diwas, but to the families of soldiers who lost their lives, it is every day. A fund should be created to help the families of the soldiers who lose their lives while serving the country," he added.

Vijaynath Vittal Shetty, chief coordinator, Shasthavu Shree Bhoothanatheshwara temple said, "We have been celebrating Kargil Diwas every year from the past three years. I approached many people to raise funds for Sainik Bhavan but no one donated. Soldiers sacrifice their lives for the country and for their fellow citizens. So we have to think about our soldiers and help them in their cause. This Sainik Bhavan is built because soldiers want to serve the society even after retirement. They would be conducting seminars and directing students to get recruited into military. I congratulate all the ex-servicemen on the occasion of the inauguration of this new building."

Colonel N Sharath Bhandary, Brigadier I N Rai, former MLA Yogish Bhat, Lions 317 D governor Ln M Kavitha Shastri were the others on the dais.

Mangaluru: Martyrs remembered on Kargil Vijay Diwas at war memorial

Dakshina Kannada District Ex-Servicemen's Association along with various organizations on Sunday July 26 observed Kargil Vijay Diwas at War Memorial, Kadri here.

Scores of people paid homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation in the India-Pakistan Kargil war.

Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharamasthala, after laying the wreath on war memorial and speaking to the media said, "Because of the bravery of our soldiers in the Kargil war, today there is peace in our country. The soldiers are sacrificing their happiness and peace to protect the citizens of this nation. They are struggling at the border to safeguard us. We secured moral victory in the Kargil war after defeating the opponent army.

"We should tell the world that Indian army is the strongest. Each Indian should be proud of Kargil Day. I salute those soldiers who are protecting this country. On behalf of the people of India, I salute and thank our soldiers. We are always with you."

On this occasion Vinay Hegde of NITTE educational Institution, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, Zilla Panchayath CEO Shri Vidya, superintendent of police Sharanappa, Vijyanath Vittal Shetty,N Sharath Bhandary,Brigadiar I N Rai, Lt Conl NP Rai,S M Airan, Vikram Dutt, Col Balakrishna and other laid a wreaths to the war memorial.