In the summer of 1999, Indian troops rewrote the history of mountain warfare. At those dizzying treacherous height, in the rarefied environs of Kargil, the deft and arduous use of artillery gave India a major shot in the arm against marauding Pakistani intruders.
The guns were heavy no doubt and packed a lot of firepower, but the men behind them were feisty and smarter.
The Pakistani intrusion caught the Indian political and military establishment by total surprise.
Just three months ago, Prime Minister Vajpayee undertook the famous bus ride to Lahore via the Wagah border.
The optics were hard to miss, even at a time live television wasn’t all-pervasive.
Vajpayee called for a fresh beginning in bilateral ties, putting behind a troubled past and two wars.
Although Nawaz Sharif played along, at least in public, the Pakistani Army led by this man seemed to have other ideas
After initial setbacks, the Indian Army gained ground, at heights ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 feet. Astronomers put telescopes here to catch a glimpse of outer space.
A quarter of a century later, those who were part of the seminal military moment, showed up here to pay tributes to the war heroes who will keep inspiring generations
From the man who earned his medal at the now famous Tiger Hill to another soldier who made it to the history books.
Some tales of valour shaped history, not only in India but also in Pakistan. The bravery of the foot soldiers found resonance in the air, a support that was crucial.
There were some forgettable moments too. Lessons have since been learnt and remedial actions taken.
As the nation marked another Vijay Diwas, remembering bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, the Tricolour too joined in.
