Kargil holds a very special place in the heart of PM Modi. When the Kargil war broke out in 1999, PM Modi was working for the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Without any further ado, he had rushed to Kargil to provide relief and show solidarity with the brave soldiers. PM Modi went to extend hope to the valorous heroes and recalling his visit later, he had said that the voyage had given him the experience of a pilgrimage.
According to Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, PM Modi had then said: “Dhumalji we should go to Srinagar”. After this, they took an Mi-17 helicopter, loaded food, clothing and other necessities in substantial quantities and left for Srinagar to help the bravehearts. Recalling the visit, Prem Kumar Dhumal had said that “When we arrived in Srinagar, heavy shelling was still on. “
“Narendra Ji and I decided to hand over the relief material to be taken to the soldiers fighting the Pakistanis on the frontlines,”. PM Modi had further insisted on meeting the injured soldiers, undergoing treatment in Srinagar.
Recalling the experience in the Hospital Prem Kumar Dhumal says, “We visited the injured in the hospital and went on giving relief material to soldiers, who would take the stuff and keep it beside their beds. While visiting we would hand over the relief materials to soldiers. They would take it and keep it on the bed. But one jawan didn’t take out his hands to receive the material. We thought he was displeased, so we kept his things on his bed. And as we were walking towards the next, the doctor came running and told us- “yesterday this soldier lost both his hands and legs in a mine explosion.”
Prem Kumar Dhumal further said: “We came back to him, Modi ji lovingly placed his hands on his head and said: “You Must be in lot of pain”. The soldier replied, “since last evening, I have been fine.” Modiji said “is it because of the painkiller or an injection.” The soldier then said: “Sir, last evening, we won Tiger Hill back from Pakistan and after that I am fine and have not been sensing any pain.”. “After listening to this, PM Modi and I got very emotional.”
PM Modi has a deep emotional connect with Kargil. On various occasions of Vijay Divas, PM Modi took to social media to express his emotions. On 26th July 2013, as the Kargil Vijay Diwas completed its 14th year, PM Modi when he was the CM of Gujarat, paid tributes to the brave soldiers who fought their lives during Kargil War. He also dedicated the legendary song “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” which marked its golden jubilee that year to the sacrifices of the brave soldiers.
In 2019, PM Modi attended and addressed a commemorative event to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. His emotional connect with Kargil could be seen manifesting in his speech when he said that he had visited Kargil 20 years ago when the entire country stood together with the soldiers, youth were donating blood, and even children were donating their pocket money for the soldiers. He further said that it was the entire nation that won freedom in 1947; it was the entire nation for which the Constitution was written in 1950; and it was for the entire country, that more than 500 brave soldiers laid down their lives in the snowy heights of Kargil. On 26th July, 1999 Indian Army had unfurled the flag of victory in the battle of Kargil and it was a moment of collective celebration and pride for the people of India.
In 2020, in his Mann Ki Baat address in July, he said: “I’m fortunate to have visited Kargil and witnessed the valour of our Jawans. That day
will be etched in my memory forever:”
PM Modi’s affection and huge respect for the soldiers is not hidden to anyone. He celebrates Diwali with the Jawans every year. His deep connect with Kargil is a testament to his emotional bond with the Jawans of our country. For him, Kargil is not just a physical location, it embodies unflinching courage, spectacular gallantry, indomitable spirit and huge sacrifice of our soldiers.
will be etched in my memory forever:”
PM Modi’s affection and huge respect for the soldiers is not hidden to anyone. He celebrates Diwali with the Jawans every year. His deep connect with Kargil is a testament to his emotional bond with the Jawans of our country. For him, Kargil is not just a physical location, it embodies unflinching courage, spectacular gallantry, indomitable spirit and huge sacrifice of our soldiers.
