In continuation of the ongoing tradition, the school commemorated the great martyrdom of Kargil war heroes by celebrating 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Friday, 26th July 2024 to pay homage to the dauntless soldiers who fought against all odds and gave supreme sacrifices to uphold the honour, dignity and integrity of the nation. This year Major General Sanjay Kumar Vidyarthi, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area, Nagpur was the Chief Guest.

As a part of the celebrations, a Route March was undertaken from Grandhibag Garden. The Route March comprised of Seven foot contingents of 300 Ramdandees, along with mounted column of 11 horses, marched on the melodious tunes of the ‘School Pipe & Drums Band' through the heart of the city on a pre-designated route. The route march was flagged off by Mr Pravin Datke, Member of Legislative Council, Maharashtra.

Enroute, Col Amarendra Hardas, Commandant, BMS, Nagpur received the salute from marching contingent, at the ‘Saluting Base’ created at Kotwali Police Station Square. A large section of general public thronged the roadsides all along the route, showering petals on the passing columns and welcoming them with the cries of "Bharat Mata ki Jay”. The Route March culminated at Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti Bhavan, Reshimbag.

Prior to the formal commemorative function, the cadets presented a Guard of Honour to Major General Sanjay Kumar Vidyarthi, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding, Uttar Maharashtra & Gujarat Sub Area Nagpur. This was followed by Wreath Laying Ceremony held in a precise Military decorum at a make shift ‘Amar Jawan Memorial’. The Chief Guest, along with distinguished guests, members of the School Management and the Commandant laid the wreath.

The commemorative function was held in the Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti Bhawan, Reshimbag with a formal welcome of the Chief Guest by Mr Suryaratan Daga, Chairman, CHMES, Nagpur Division.

The commemorative speech was delivered by Mr Rahul Dixit, Secretary CHMES Nagpur Division, wherein he paid tributes to the soldiers who brought us victory in the Kargil operation. He further glorified the soldiers of Indian Army and said that despite of the extreme condition of the Himalayan region, Indian soldiers fought bravely with intruders to recapture the post and compelled Pakistani soldiers to request for ceasefire. He further elucidated that the world has acknowledged India’s power who can retaliate in any situation. He urged the audience to spread this message and everyone should celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas. As a Ramdandee you should imbibe discipline for the elevation in their life. This was followed by the Ramdandees reciting the School Song.

Col Amarendra Hardas, Commandant, gave a lucid description of the demography, topography and climate of Kargil. He elaborated that Kargil is strategically important as it can dominate the National Highway No 1 and can cut-off Leh from Sri Nagar. He described how the gallant Indian soldiers overcame insurmountable odds in the hostile terrain and adverse weather conditions. "The war was fought in extremely adverse conditions which was actually a bigger challenge than the entrenched enemy”, he said.

Pakistani forces had occupied the key positions like Dras, Battalik, Chorbat La and harming the Indian forces. He highlighted that the operations carried out by Indian Army was “Operation Vijay”, the Indian Air Force conducted "Operation Safed Sagar” and the Indian Navy carrying out “Operation Talwar”.

Col Amarendra Hardas called upon everyone to honour our gallant soldiers for their supreme sacrifice, the sovereignty of our nation and solidarity with the families. Lastly, he said that we should stand united against the odds and we should infuse the spirit of patriotism amongst the citizen. Thereafter, the glimpses of the school celebrating ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ over the last 22 years were screened.

The Chief Guest, Major General Sanjay Kumar Vidyarthi congratulated the cadets, military instructors, teachers and the staff for an exemplary and well-disciplined parade and Guard of Honour. He further said that the Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed to commemorate the victory and sacrifice of our soldiers for the nation’s honour. The soldiers of the Indian Army are prepared to undertake any task for his motherland. He further said that Kargil is a barren land but as your country is your mother and it deserved to be saved by the children.

He highlighted the treachery of fighting at the high altitude terrain amidst sub-zero climate. The soldiers displayed sheer courage, determination and valour during the war. He showed slides of the Kargil war to the gathering. One of the war heroes was Captain Vikram Batra, who said in an interview to a television journalist that his group victory sign was ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’. This was because his men wished there were more bunkers to be cleared, said Batra in his clip. This line made him famous. There were many others like Captain Vikram Batra during the Kargil War. Courage, fitness, dependability, detachment, secular and a gentleman are the qualities of a soldier. They are different from common men who are ready to sacrifice their life. A soldier is totally depending on his buddy soldier.

He told the Meaning of 'MMG’ - Mandir, Mashjid, and Gurudwara. Army is secular where every God is worshipped.

While speaking, he showed the photographs of the soldiers of Kargil War and said they all are like us. You can become officers of Indian Armed Forces; some may even go on to become the Army Chief or even the Chief of Defence Services (CDS).

After his speech, the Chief Guest presented the Memento to the school. School also presented the memento to the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by a large number of office bearers and members of CHMES, Nagpur Division, serving and veteran defence service officers and prominent citizens of the city. Ms Harshala Rajgire, TGT conducted the proceedings as the ‘Master of Ceremony’. Mr Ajay Shirke, Head Master, proposed the Vote of Thanks.