From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Subject: ESM sitrep 05 Jul evening
Date: Sunday, 5 July, 2009, 10:29 PM
Dear Colleagues,
As you are aware, 26 July is Kargil Diwas. This marks the day when the last hill top was recaptured ten years ago, during those 'razor edge days'.
If ONE thing stood out in the nearly three month relentless operation it was the sheer grit and valour of the Indian defence forces. Many braves live amongst us today, while many did not return.
IESM will commemorate the valour of Kargil 1999, on 26 July, through week-long participative activities. We aim to involve the citizenry at large and spread consciousness about not only what most saw in awe on the TV screens 10 years ago, but also matters military generally. Arousing awareness on what makes a fauji; what he is?
Towards this, the following activities are planned.
· Blood donation drives across India. If ten years ago we fought the enemy on those icy heights, NOW we facilitate the fight against diseases like Thalassemia, which takes a forbidding toll of so many young lives. This is being done in collaboration with local blood banks. In NCR it is being done in collaboration with Rotary Club over several days.
· Organ pledging activities will be organized alongside the blood donation, in collaboration with local hospitals.
· Several corporate are being motivated to do whatever they wish to do, even without collaborating with us, but dedicate it to the event of Kargil Diwas e.g. tree plantation etc.
· Lectures by veterans are being organised, with Kargil operations as backdrop, but underscoring traits like camaraderie, regimentation, loyalty etc, that distinguish a fauji.
· Media interventions to publicise the day, are planned in consultation with both TV and radio channels. These will be in the form of discussions, quiz and interviews. Efforts are on to locate the gallantry award winners/ veterans of the period, and present them in person.
· Homage ceremonies at war memorials across the country are planned between 1100 and 1300 hrs on 26July. Blood donation / organ pledging will be done at the same venue.
· Veterans bara Khana / lunch after homage at war memorials.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
