Shot at, I pushed ahead... had to finish task: Kargil hero
Kargil war hero and Param Vir Chakra (PVC) recipient Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar of the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, today shared his experience of the war with students of Paragon Senior Secondary School in Sector 71 here.
In an engaging session, the war hero captivated the students with stories of valour of the Indian armed forces. “It was our training in the Army that won us the Kargil war,” he said. He spoke of the critical capture of Flat Top, a strategic height fiercely defended by the enemy forces. “Our victory was incomplete without it,” he emphasised, recalling the intense moments when he volunteered to scout enemy positions, facing formidable challenges head-on.
With excitement in the room, he narrated how, under heavy fire, he crawled towards enemy bunkers, undeterred by the injuries. “Despite being shot in the chest and forearm, I pushed forward. I had a job to do,” he stated, embodying the spirit of resilience. His gripping account included moments of fierce combat where he neutralised enemy positions with unyielding determination, even after sustaining serious injuries.
“I cleared the first bunker, and even while bleeding, I pressed on, taking out the next stronghold,” he shared, his voice in a mix of pride and humility. “Only after securing that critical ground did I allow myself to be evacuated.”
The event commenced with a well-orchestrated guard of honour given by the school’s NCC cadets. In a heartfelt gesture, he was welcomed with a traditional ‘pahari’ greeting, celebrating Kumar’s Himachali roots and recognising his prestigious PVC award.
Students electrified the atmosphere with patriotic songs and performances. Over 50 students who are training at Mohali Defence Academy were also in attendance.
