Belthangady: Lobo TVS Motors celebrated Kargil Diwas by honouring the brave soldiers of the Kargil by felicitating three war heroes namely Chandappa D S, Subramani I M, and Vijay Fernandes on July 26.
The programme began at 10 AM at the premises of Lobo Motors, Beltangady.
Major General (Retired) M V Bhat (Belthangady) was the chief guest of the programme.
Sri Krishna Bhatt (President, Ex Army Association, Beltangadi Taluke), Odiyappa Gowda (Traffic Inspector, Belthangady), Clevious D’Souza (Inspector, Fire brigade), Rajesh Shetty (General Manager, Sairadha TVS, Mangaluru) were the other guests on the occasion.
They were honoured with roses and were welcomed by the proprietor of Lobo Motors, Ronald Lobo, who said that in our lives, everyone has a role model to look up to. “In this regard, it is very important to recognize our three defence sectors – Police, Fire Brigade and Traffic Police – as our role models as they work continuously to protect us.”
Addressing the gathering, Major General M V Bhat appreciated the initiative taken by Lobo TVS to honour the Kargil war heroes which, he opined, is a good step towards recognizing their sacrifice to the nation and protection of the people. He also recommended that the children save money and donate it to the soldiers’ fund. He also said that the parents should take initiative to encourage their children to join the defence sector as there is a need for more people to join the Army from the Dakshina Kannada district.
On the occasion, three Kargil war heroes Chandappa D S, Subramani I M, and Vijay Fernandes were felicitated for their bravery. They were each honoured by the guests on the dais with traditional the shawl, a fruit basket, a bouquet of flowers and a memento. Herald Sequeira, (Secretary Ex Army Association) introduced the three honoured Kargil war heroes.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Fernandes expressed his gratitude to Lobo TVS and also appreciated them for paying homage to the fallen soldiers by observing a moment of silence. “It was a good gesture by the organizers to respect the Police Department, Fire Brigade and Traffic Police on this auspicious day,” he said. He also spoke about the tough conditions they faced in Kargil while fighting the enemies. He then suggested that a memorial be built in Beltangadi in honour of the Kargil war heroes.
The event was compeered by Ashok Monis, manager, Lobo TVS Motors and Sandhya, executive, Lobo TVS Motors. Advocate Aloysius Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the successful ‘Operation Vijay’, is celebrated in India on July 26. On this day in 1999, India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistan. The Kargil war, which was fought for nearly three months, ended on July 26 and resulted in a loss of life on both sides.
The war ended with India regaining control of all the previously held territory, hence re-establishing the status quo ante bellum. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year in honour of the Kargil war’s heroes. This day is celebrated in the Kargil–Dras sector and the national capital of New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India pays homage to the soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti located at the India Gate every year. Programmes are also organized all over the country to commemorate the contributions of the armed forces.
By Alphonse Mendonsa
