The emotionally moving Kargil Vijay Diwas programme, organised to pay floral tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War, was held at the Gowda Samaj Auditorium in Madikeri with the participation of 143 organisations from across Kodagu district. Hundreds of patriots gathered to express their respect and gratitude through this unique programme of floral tributes, patriotic songs, and remembrance.
The third annual Kargil Vijay Diwas Martyrs’ Memorial Programme, jointly organised by the Kodagu Journalists’ Association and Rotary Misty Hills, Madikeri, was inaugurated by Lieutenant Colonel Mollera S. Kaveriappa (Retd.), Senior Manager of the Army Canteen, Madikeri, who paid floral tributes at the memorial erected in honour of the martyrs.
Amid patriotic slogans in support of the soldiers guarding the nation’s borders and in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for India’s unity and integrity, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, former Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah, Madikeri City Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi, Kodagu soldier Yatish, currently serving in the Para Regiment at Agra, Kodagu Journalists’ Association President Anil H.T., Secretary Suresh Biligeri, Rotary Misty Hills President P.R. Rajesh, Secretary Chethan G.D., Rotary Assistant Governor H.S. Vasanth Kumar, Zone Commander Ponnachchan Madhusudan, DySP Suraj, and several other dignitaries offered floral tributes at the martyrs’ memorial.
In his inaugural address, Lt. Col. Mollera S. Kaveriappa (Retd.) called upon every citizen to serve the nation by carrying out their respective duties with patriotism, honesty, humility, loyalty, and discipline.
Recalling his own service in the Indian Army during the Kargil War, he said the conflict was often described as an intelligence failure. However, he clarified that it was not an intelligence failure but a calculated act of deception by Pakistan. Referring to the extremely harsh winter conditions in the high-altitude Kargil region, he explained that Pakistan had violated the bilateral agreement under which both countries were expected to withdraw their respective defence personnel during the winter season.
He observed that not everyone is fortunate enough to serve in the Indian Army and noted that every soldier leaves for duty each morning without knowing whether they will return home safely. He appealed to everyone to dedicate themselves to national service in whatever capacity they can. Paying homage at the martyrs’ memorial, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said programmesorganised in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War are deeply meaningful. He remarked that while ordinary citizens become anxious even during times of conflict, it is the soldiers who courageously face the harsh realities of the battlefield and safeguard the nation through their valour and sacrifice. He called upon the public to always remember and honour such brave soldiers.
Dr. Mantar Gowda further stated that ex-servicemen who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation’s borders and later settled back into civilian life deserve the highest priority and respect in every government department. He assured that if any department failed to extend due respect or provide necessary assistance to former soldiers, he would personally intervene and take appropriate action. He reaffirmed his commitment to standing firmly with the ex-servicemen community.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas programme jointly organised by Rotary Misty Hills and the Kodagu Journalists’ Association brought together leaders of the district’s major political parties on a common platform in a rare display of unity.
Congress MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, Madikeri Urban Development Authority President Rajesh B.Y., former BJP MLA K.G. Bopaiah, BJP District President Napanda Ravi Kalappa, and Amin Moisin, along with SDPI representatives, jointly paid floral tributes at the martyrs’ memorial erected on the Gowda Samaj stage.
The gathering responded with loud applause, appreciating the rare moment of political unity in paying homage to the nation’s brave soldiers.
