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Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Trichy pays tribute to Kargil hero Major Saravanan on 26th death anniversary
Trichy: The 26th death anniversary of Major Mariappan Saravanan, one of the first Indian Army officers martyred in the 1999 Kargil War , was observed at his memorial in the Cantonment area of Trichy on Thursday. Floral tributes were paid by members of the Major Saravanan Memorial Trust, Army officers from the Area Recruitment Office, NCC officers, Trichy district collector M Pradeep Kumar, MP Durai Vaiko, Mayor Mu Anbalagan, and other dignitaries. An alumnus of St Joseph's College, Trichy, Saravanan was commissioned into the Bihar Regiment in 1995. During the Kargil conflict, his unit was deployed at Jubar Ridge in the Batalik sector. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, he killed four enemy soldiers before succumbing to his injuries on May 29, 1999. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery. A memorial near St John's Vestry School commemorates his sacrifice, featuring four pillars engraved with the national emblem, Indian Army insignia, the Vir Chakra, and the Bihar Regiment's emblem.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Major Saravanan remembered in Tiruchi
Homage was paid to Kargil war martyr Major M. Saravanan, with military personnel and civilians paying their respects on the occasion of his 26th death anniversary here on Thursday. A solemn ceremony was organised by Major Saravanan Memorial Trust in remembrance of the Kargil war hero at the Major Saravanan Memorial established at St. John Vestry School roundabout here. Collector M. Pradeep Kumar, MP Durai Vaiko, MP, Mayor M. Anbazhagan, TSP Tiruchi Commandant Anandhan, NCC Tiruchi Group Commander Colonel Y. Vijaykumar, ANO 1Coy-2 (TN) BN Captain Amstrong, and St. Joseph's College Principal Rev. Fr. S. Mariadoss paid tributes at the memorial. Major Saravanan sacrificed his life for the country during the Kargil War in May 1999. He was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Himachal Pradesh deserves a separate regiment in Indian Armed Forces: HP Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 17 (ANI): The speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, has advocated a separate regiment in the Indian Armed Forces. 'The people of Himachal Pradesh have made immense contributions to India's military efforts. It's time our state had its regiment in the Indian Armed Forces,' said Kuldeep Singh Pathania, while speaking with ANI in Shimla on Saturday. Pathania was speaking following the inauguration of a blood donation camp organised at the Himachal Pradesh Assembly complex by the Sports and Cultural Association. Praising the patriotic spirit and service ethos of the people of Himachal Pradesh, Pathania reiterated the long-standing demand for the formation of a separate regiment in the Indian Armed Forces exclusively for Himachali soldiers. 'Himachal Pradesh's Legacy of gallantry must be recognised with a dedicated regiment' Citing the historical and continued contributions of Himachali soldiers, Pathania said that the soldiers from Himachal Pradesh have proved in war and tough times in the Indian armed forces. 'Himachal Pradesh has always stood at the forefront during times of war and national crisis. Our soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice and won numerous gallantry awards from the Param Vir Chakra to the Vir Chakra and the Kirti Chakra. It is only fitting that the Indian Armed Forces establish a special regiment representing Himachal Pradesh.' He said. Pathania emphasised that soldiers from the hill state have consistently played a vital role, whether it was the 1962 war, the 1972 war, the Kargil conflict, or modern-day operations like Sindhur. He pointed out that Himachal is known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), but it is also the land of valiant warriors who have tirelessly served the country. Acknowledging Operation Sindhur Pathania said that it was a testament to India's military prowess. In a detailed statement, Speaker Pathania lauded Operation Sindoor, a recent military success by Indian forces, calling it a clear demonstration of India's growing technological and strategic capabilities. 'Operation Sindoor has sent a strong message to the world's major military powers. Even countries like the United States, known for their advanced arsenal and military technology, have been effectively matched by India's armed forces. In fact, our capabilities are not just comparable but in many ways ahead,' said Pathania. 'The success of Operation Sindoor is a matter of pride for the entire nation, and especially for us in Himachal Pradesh. A brave soldier from my very own Assembly constituency laid down his life during this operation. His sacrifice is a reminder of the selfless service Himachali youth continue to render to the nation.' He added. Earlier in the day, Speaker Pathania inaugurated a blood donation camp on the Assembly premises, expressing his gratitude to the organisers and participants. 'I am happy that the Bharat Evam Cultural Association has organised this blood donation camp at the Assembly premises. Almost all our staff members have participated. Blood donation is the greatest form of service; it saves lives and is a deeply noble act,' he said. Pathania congratulated all the officers, employees, and organisational members who came forward for the cause. 'I hope this spirit of service continues. Through such acts, we serve society in a meaningful way.' Said Pathania. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania's strong advocacy for the Himachal Regiment reflects a broader sentiment in the state that its decades of military contribution deserve distinct recognition. As India continues to modernise its forces and celebrate regional pride, the proposal for a dedicated regiment representing Himachal Pradesh could gain further traction. (ANI)
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Our soldiers must be at forefront, says mother of Kargil War martyr
Guwahati: , 80, mother of recipient who lost his life in the , believes that unwavering maternal support for children serving at the frontlines will lead to India's triumph over the ongoing ceasefire between the nations, Duluprabha takes pride in her son's supreme sacrifice while encircled by adversaries during the Kargil War. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She supports her 84-year-old husband Thogiram Gogoi, a retired IAF flying officer, who remains prepared to instruct young soldiers for combat operations when her health has recently declined and she finds it difficult to recall many precious memories of her son, whom she always motivated to face adversaries bravely, Duluprabha shares this message for mothers of capable children: "While all the soldiers are joining their duties by cancelling the leaves, it is the duty of the mothers to see off their sons and daughters happily so that they can fight for the nation without worrying for their mothers. All the youths, who are sitting idle at home, should register themselves to serve as volunteers showing readiness to fight to save their motherland at the hour of need," she told TOI from their Golaghat residence in upper the family continues to feel the absence of their only son after more than 20 years, Duluprabha holds no remorse about his sacrifice for the nation. "Our young soldiers must be at the forefront to guard the nation. Even though many of the retired defence personnel are also ready to fight for the nation, our mothers should happily see off their young sons and daughters to frontline posts. All those youths, who have honesty and intelligence, should go forward to save the country, even as volunteers," Duluprabha encouraged mothers and wives of soldiers to remain resolute while their dear ones protect the frontline, awaiting further instructions. "They have gone to save the nation. So, the mothers and wives should see them off, infusing courage," she Gogoi acknowledged Duluprabha as a valiant mother inspiring many neighbours to serve the nation. A retired honorary flying officer who instructed at Tambaram Mechanical Training Institute, he said, "Age does not allow us to jump in war, but I have the confidence that I can still teach those who are willing to learn technical things for aircraft for eight hours a day." He recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee praised Jintu Gogoi's bravery and competence in the Kargil War as exemplary for the nation's Jintu Gogoi was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime military decoration, for his gallantry during operations in the Kargil War in 1999.
Business Recorder
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sharjeel assails India for growing belligerence against Pakistan
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that India demonstrated hostility towards Pakistan in an illegal, irresponsible manner and in an open violation of international norms in response to an unsubstantiated accusation of terrorism. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said that India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without carrying out even a single investigation or producing evidence. He added that India also rejected Pakistan's offer for an impartial inquiry, which clearly indicates that India had already planned to carry out aggression based on premeditated accusations. He said that Pakistan acted responsibly and decisively in self-defense, successfully shot down Indian Air Force aircraft and killed three pilots. This operation marked an unprecedented achievement against the enemy's advanced technology and is being widely acknowledged around the world. He added that, in retaliatory actions, Pakistan targeted key military installations across the Line of Control, resulting in the deaths of 40 to 50 Indian soldiers. Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that India has a history of concealing its failures, citing the example of awarding the Vir Chakra to Abhinandan, the pilot of a downed aircraft. He said that on the night of May 7 and 8, India escalated tensions by targeting three types of objectives. First, attacks were carried out against the Sikh community and their religious sites within India to instill fear among Sikhs. Second, these attacks were falsely attributed to Pakistan in an attempt to spread hatred. Third, India aimed to create a false impression of victory by presenting the wreckage from these attacks as evidence of downed Pakistani aircraft. He added that the second target was Pakistan's defense installations, aimed at weakening the country's defensive and offensive capabilities. The third target was the civilian population, intended to spread fear and despair among the Pakistani people. He added that Pakistan not only downed Indian aircraft but also successfully targeted their military check posts. Sharjeel Inam Memon claimed that the Modi government procured the planes with corrupt means, a truth accepted by opposition parties in India itself. Sharjeel stated that the entire nation stands firmly with the Pakistani armed forces. He further said that Pakistan is a nuclear power and has every right to defend itself. Innocent children and civilians have been martyred in Indian attacks, and the blood of these martyrs will certainly be avenged. He further mentioned the Sindh government is closely monitoring the entire situation and is fully prepared to address any potential threat. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
