The Indian Army will soon launch a "special outreach drive" ahead of the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.
According to officials, as part of the drive, Indian Army personnel will visit the homes of the next of kin of heroes who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 war, and honour them.
"This outreach drive will be first of its kind, wherein 545 people (next of kin of war heroes) will be visited by representatives of the Army and felicitated at their place of residence," news agency PTI quoted a senior Army official said.
The Army is all set to commence a series of commemoration events marking the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. The commemoration will continue till July 26, honouring the indomitable spirit, sacrifice and courage of the heroes who defended the borders of the nation, officials said.
A team of army personnel will "visit 25 states, two Union territories, and Nepal, carrying a letter of gratitude on behalf of the Indian Army, a memento, details of benefits authorised by various central and state government agencies", the official was quoted as saying.
The visiting personnel will also ascertain difficulties, if any, being faced by the "families of our war heroes", he said.
As part of the commemoration, the Indian Army will also collect memorabilia to preserve the legacy of the war heroes, and will "find an honourable place for these at the Kargil War Memorial, Dras", they said.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, etched in the nation's heart with pride and solemn remembrance, marks the day in 1999 when India successfully concluded 'Operation VIJAY', reclaiming the strategic heights from Pakistani intruders, the Army official said. "The Kargil war is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This war will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, as well as the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to Kargil-Siachen sectors and the swiftly executed tri-Services military strategy."
The nation will also never forget the steady resolve, valour and unparalleled bravery displayed by the soldiers of the Indian Army despite numerous challenges, he added.
