Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Jul 27: Swatcha Bharath Friends and JCI Udupi celebrated 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Divas and offered tributes to Martyred soldiers at Ajjarkad war memorial on Friday, July 26.

Courageous retired soldier Jagadish Prabhu Hiriadka who stayed in the bunker for 21 days at the country’s border during Kargil war and fought the war from there was felicitated.

Jagadish Prabhu said that the incidents that transpired during the war are still fresh in his mind. “We gave fitting reply to severe shell attacks of the enemy in spite of several challenges around our country’s border. Our experience of fighting for 21 days continuously for the country without consuming proper food is special.” Former soldier Gilbert Braganza said that those who criticize soldiers should serve on the border for a day for the country.

Professor Ganesh Prasad said that soldiers who serve with unhindered patriotism in adverse conditions are inspiration for us. “As they help the society in several occasions, they can be compared to Kalpavraksha tree. People who criticize soldiers are unfit even to become workers in their houses. The roads to the houses of soldiers should be named after them in their memory,” he said.

Former soldier’s forum president Col Rodrigues, retired naval soldier Ganesh Rao, retired Naik Subedar Ganapayya Sherigar, former soldier’s cooperative society secretary Paramashiva K, Raghupathi Rao, Dorothy, Tulasi Devadiga, JCI Udupi City president Jagadish Shetty, Raghavendra Prabhu Karvalu, Udaya Naik, Kiran Bhat, Bandhan Bank’s Gurudatt, Abhishek, Chittaranjan, Raviraj, Prem Prasad Shetty and former soldier Vadiraj Hegde were present.