Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa Pays Glowing Tribute to Kargil Heroes on 27th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa Pays Glowing Tribute to Kargil Heroes on 27th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Panaji, 26 July 2026: Calling upon the youth to draw inspiration from the courage, discipline and selfless service of the Indian Armed Forces, Chief Guest Shri Sanjeev Gadkar, IAS, Secretary, Civil Supplies, Government of Goa, said that the sacrifices of the Kargil martyrs must continue to inspire every Indian to uphold the values of patriotism, national unity and national service. He was addressing the 27th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorated by the Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa in Association with 1 Goa Battalion NCC Goa and Goa Human resource Development Corporation with solemnity and patriotic fervour at the Martyrs' Memorial, Azad Maidan, Panaji, on Sunday. The programme commenced with the arrival of guests and invitees, followed by a brief outline of the event by Shri John Aguiar. President of the Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa, Shri Sunil Shet, welcomed the Chief Guest, Celebrity Guest and distinguished veterans. A solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony and floral tributes were held at the Martyrs' Memorial. Wreaths were first laid by Shri Sunil Shet, Col. Balkrishna Shirodkar (Retd.), Capt. Utpal Dutta, NM (Retd.), Ms. Hema Sardesai, and Shri Sanjeev Gadkar, IAS, Secretary, Civil Supplies, Government of Goa. Thereafter, all other dignitaries and participants paid floral tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the Kargil Martyrs. Speaking on the occasion. Capt. Utpal Dutta, NM (Retd.), shared his experiences during Operation Vijay, recalling the vital role played by the Indian Navy during the Kargil conflict and highlighting the dedication and courage of the Armed Forces. Col. Balkrishna Shirodkar (Retd.) paid rich tributes to the Kargil heroes and emphasised the importance of remembering their supreme sacrifice and inspiring future generations with their patriotism. Renowned singer Hema Sardesai, the Celebrity Guest, paid heartfelt homage to the martyrs and stressed the need for a full-fledged War Memorial in Goa. Recalling her association with the War Memorial Committee in Delhi, she emotionally rendered a few lines from the iconic patriotic song "Mere Watan Ke Logon," moving the audience. Immediate Past President Shri Pradip Sawant, Members Smt. Bhavana Chodankar, Laxmi Parab, Mayur Kalyankar, Sadika Buddashet and Shri Kalpesh Madhu Naik were present. Col HS Dhanoa of 1 Goa BN NCC was kind enough to lend armed contingent with one Junior Commissioned Officer and three Non Commissioned Officers for the solemn drill on the occasion. Similarly an contingent of Human Resource Development Corporation was present led by its Security Officer Shri Vilas Desai. Earlier, Shri John Aguiar highlighted the long-pending need for a permanent War Memorial in Goa. He suggested that the old structure located opposite Kala Academy could be suitably converted into a dedicated War Memorial to honour the sacrifices of India's brave soldiers and preserve their legacy for future generations. The function concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Smt. Smriti Kothare Mardolkar, while the programme was compered by Shri Amol Vani.