Rare war photo exhibition held at Sardar Dastur Hoshang Boys High School to honour war hero on birth anniversary
The exhibition was organised to mark the 101st birth anniversary of Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore, Param Vir Chakra, one of India's most legendary war heroes and a distinguished alumnus of Sardar Dastur Hoshang Boys High School, Camp Pune who spent his formative years at the campus from 1934 to 1941.
Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore,, Param Vir Chakra's immortal saga was etched during the Battle of Phillora in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, one of the fiercest armoured clashes in history. Though grievously wounded, he refused to retreat for four days and led his regiment with unmatched valour, destroying wave after wave of enemy tanks. His leadership turned the tide of battle, but he fell on the field of honour, making the supreme sacrifice. For his unparalleled courage, indomitable spirit, and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour, forever enshrining his name in the pantheon of India's greatest warriors.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Behram Pudumjee, president of the Dastur Schools Trust, who saluted the courage of India's warriors and urged the students to draw inspiration from their sacrifices. He said that 'the flame of valour should always brighten the young citizens and that they should remain rooted in the ideals of fortitude, honour, and service'.
According to principal Nisha Sahay, the exhibition has showcased rare, never before seen photographs chronicling the saga of courage from the 1947 War of Independence to the Kargil conflict, honouring both the famous and unsung heroes whose sacrifices have kept the Tricolour flying high.
On the occasion, she also reminded students of their solemn duty. 'Our warriors did not simply fight battles, they lit the torch of freedom with their blood and carved a destiny for us with their sacrifice. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore,, Param Vir Chakra, and countless others sacrificed their lives so that we could walk in the sunlight of liberty with heads held high. To honour them, we must rise above mediocrity and live lives that reflect their courage. Protecting our planet, serving humanity, and embracing purpose with responsibility are not choices, they are sacred duties entrusted to us by their sacrifice,' she said.
To widen the reach of this tribute, 15 schools from Pune Camp have been invited to witness this rare and moving exhibit which spans over three days. The event drew students, educators, alumni, and citizens, all of whom walked through the gallery with reverence and awe. 'Each photograph was not merely an image, but a heartbeat from history, whispering tales of courage, sacrifice, and honour. For many young students, it was their first encounter with the stark truth that freedom is never free; it is purchased by the blood and bravery of those who stood unflinching before the enemy,' Sahay said.
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Rare war photo exhibition held at Sardar Dastur Hoshang Boys High School to honour war hero on birth anniversary
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