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More trees added to Belthangady's Kargil Vana that turned 5
More trees added to Belthangady's Kargil Vana that turned 5

Time of India

time8 hours ago

  • General
  • Time of India

More trees added to Belthangady's Kargil Vana that turned 5

1 2 Mangaluru: About 200 more trees were added in the last four years to the Kargil Vana in Mundaje near Belthangady, developed in memory of India's fallen soldiers. Spread across five acres, Kargil Vana stands as a tribute to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War. At present, the forest boasts over 800 thriving trees and plants, each rooted in gratitude. Sachin Bhide, a farmer and environmentalist, transformed his unfulfilled dream of joining the Indian Army into a larger mission of honouring soldiers through nature. In 2020, Sachin began planting a forest on his ancestral land, and today, five years later, of the 800-plus trees planted at the Kargil Vana, 527 were dedicated specifically to the memory of each martyr of the Kargil conflict. Every Kargil Vijay Diwas, the forest glows with rows of earthen lamps in what Sachin terms as a quiet Deepotsava, held not in fanfare, but in reverence. "The families of soldiers, along with the public, are welcome to visit, reflect, and walk among the trees that stand in silent tribute," he told TOI. "Building a forest is not easy, especially when elephants often pose a threat. Guarding these trees is a challenge," said Sachin, who nurtures each sapling at his own expense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos Boite A Scoop Undo More than a memorial, Kargil Vana has evolved into a platform for awareness, hosting tree-planting drives, environmental campaigns, and patriotic events. The space is plastic-free, and plans to develop walking trails and seating for visitors. Sachin's environmental journey goes beyond this forest. A volunteer with the Dharmasthala Disaster Response Team, Shourya, actively supports afforestation projects, river and lake clean-ups, and even helps rescue and rehabilitate reptiles. He is often referred to as an 'Environmental Soldier'. "This forest is my salute to the Indian Army. People may forget names, but trees grow, give shade, and keep memories alive. Visitors are welcome with respect and without plastic," he said. He was recently honoured with the Aranya Mitra Award by the SKDRDP and the forest department.

SC Justice Surya Kant inaugurates legal aid centre for armed forces families
SC Justice Surya Kant inaugurates legal aid centre for armed forces families

Indian Express

time9 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Indian Express

SC Justice Surya Kant inaugurates legal aid centre for armed forces families

Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant virtually inaugurated a specialised legal aid centre for armed forces personnel and their families on Monday, emphasising that those who fight for the country deserve 'justice and honour' while their families merit 'justice with dignity.' The program was organised by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Srinagar. Under the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, the inauguration of a dedicated legal aid centre for armed forces took place at the Sainik Welfare Department in Ghorpadi, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations. The initiative was a collaborative effort between the National Legal Services Authority, Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority, Pune and the Maharashtra State Soldier Welfare Department. Speaking at the event, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar said, 'The Legal Aid Centre is a step to honour soldiers and their families. It is an excellent example of administration, judiciary and social commitment working together.' He emphasised that providing timely and free legal aid with dignity is essential for military personnel and their dependents. Justice Mahendra K. Mahajan, principal district and sessions judge, Pune, said that around 50 percent of citizens are unaware of available legal aid schemes and government benefits. 'This especially includes the families of military officers and employees,' he said. 'Our soldiers do not retreat under any circumstances; they always stand to protect the country. Protecting them and their families is the true form of justice.' Secretary of Pune District Legal Services Authority Sonal Patil said, 'A soldier fights on the battlefield, but after him, his family's fight for justice begins. It is our duty to stand by them in that fight.' The centre will provide legal services, including advice on criminal, civil, service, and pension matters, assistance with accident and insurance compensation cases, guidance on property disputes, information about government schemes, free legal representation, and counselling services.

26 years after Op Vijay, same ‘unbreakable unity' shown in Op Sindoor: COAS Upendra Dwivedi
26 years after Op Vijay, same ‘unbreakable unity' shown in Op Sindoor: COAS Upendra Dwivedi

The Print

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • The Print

26 years after Op Vijay, same ‘unbreakable unity' shown in Op Sindoor: COAS Upendra Dwivedi

'We gave a chance for peace, but they (Pakistan) acted out of cowardice, to which we answered with courage. Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response. Our air defence stood as a strong wall against drones and missiles,' he added. 'Keeping up with the tradition of unbreakable Indian unity, the army carried out precision strikes on the terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor and attained a decisive victory, effectively retaliating and knocking down Pakistan's violent attacks, and attained victory,' the COAS said while addressing the crowd at the celebrations. Kargil: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday addressed the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at the Dras town in Ladakh, where he highlighted India's 'unbreakable unity', which was showcased during Operation Vijay in 1999 and also during Operation Sindoor 26 years later. Operation Vijay in 1999 was Army's response after Pakistani soldiers crossed India's borders and captured high hill posts. The conflict, later turned into the Kargil War. COAS Dwivedi said just like with the 199 operation, India had given a similar reply to Pakistan by targeting terrorist infrastructure with Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. Talking about the historic site which was captured by Pakistan forces in 1999 and subsequently taken back, the COAS remembered the valour of the soldiers and saluted those who sacrificed their lives. 'We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors. We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we can live peacefully. We remember the resolve they had in their eyes, their dedication with which they went through difficulties. In 1999, India achieved an unparalleled victory under Operation Vijay, chasing away the Pakistani soldiers on high hill posts, and hoisting the tricolour there,' General Dwivedi said during his speech. The conflict, known as the Kargil war, started in May 1999 when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges with the aim of capturing National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh at that time. On spotting the intruders, India subsequently launched Operation Vijay. The operation showed the meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of the forces as the soldiers fought over two months in harsh terrain to drive out every intruder and restored Indian control at every post. Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: India's climate demands were once moral claims. Now ICJ says they're international law

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