Hyderabad, July 27: Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha (Telangana State) commemorated the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas with a series of patriotic, social service and cultural programmes across Secunderabad and Gowdavelli, paying tribute to the brave soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War while reinforcing the values of national unity, discipline and selfless service.
The two-day observance, held on July 25 and 26, brought together veterans, students, military authorities, healthcare professionals and social organisations in a unique blend of remembrance and community service. The celebrations featured a Cycle Rally, a Free Medical and Dental Camp, and a Cultural Evening and Felicitation Ceremony.
The commemorations began on July 25 with a Cycle Rally organised in collaboration with Headquarters Telangana and Andhra Sub Area and Army Public School, Bolaram. The rally commenced from the school campus and was flagged off by Mrs. Smita Govind, Principal of Army Public School, Bolaram, along with Major General N. Srinivas Rao (Retd.), National Vice-President and Telangana State President of Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha.
The event was coordinated by Major General Nausher B. Patel (Retd.), Vice-President of the organisation and President of the Palmette Bicycling Club of the Rajendra Singhji Officers’ Institute and Mess.
Students, teachers, military veterans and cycling enthusiasts participated enthusiastically in the rally, which first halted at the Bison War Memorial where floral tributes were offered to the soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the nation. The participants later cycled to Synergy Park, symbolising the joint strength of the Army, Navy and Air Force, before concluding at the Param Vir Chakra Park established by 1 EME Centre.
During the programme, Master Benny addressed the participants, highlighting the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas and urging young people to imbibe the courage, discipline and patriotism exemplified by India’s Armed Forces.
On July 26, the organisation shifted its focus from remembrance to community welfare by organising a Free Medical and Dental Camp at Krushi Homes, Gowdavelli. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra, Army College of Dental Sciences, Medicover Hospitals, Open NGO and Krushi Homes.
The camp benefited nearly 300 children residing at Krushi Homes, a residential institution established by the Sainik School Korukonda Old Boys Association. Teams of specialist doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals conducted general health check-ups, dental examinations, eye screening and health counselling, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support for the children.
Among those present were Major General N. Srinivas Rao (Retd.), Shri Gopu Ramana Reddy, General Secretary of Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha and Managing Director of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, senior BJP leader Shri Malla Reddy and Shri Lakshma Reddy of Gowdavelli village.
Organisers said the medical camp reflected the organisation’s guiding philosophy of “Nation First – Service – Unity,” demonstrating that the memory of the nation’s heroes can best be honoured through meaningful service to society.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas observances concluded with a Cultural Evening and Felicitation Ceremony organised jointly by Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha and Bharat Nirman Sangam. The programme featured patriotic songs, cultural performances and tributes to the soldiers who fought during the Kargil conflict. Veterans and distinguished citizens were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions to nation-building, public service and social welfare.
Addressing the gathering, Major General N. Srinivas Rao (Retd.) said the true tribute to the martyrs of Kargil lies not only in remembering their supreme sacrifice but also in carrying forward their ideals through national service, youth empowerment, healthcare initiatives and responsible citizenship.
The event concluded with Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha expressing gratitude to the Indian Army authorities, educational institutions, healthcare organisations, volunteers, veterans and partner organisations whose collective support made the commemorative programmes a success.
The two-day celebration served as a fitting homage to the indomitable spirit of the Kargil heroes while inspiring the younger generation to uphold the enduring values of patriotism, unity, discipline and selfless service in building a stronger nation.