PM Modi calls for collective resolve to ensure soldiers sacrifices in Kargil do not go in vain

Remembering the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a collective resolve to ensure that their sacrifices do not go in vain.

Addressing an event to mark the 20th anniversary of Kargil War, he said when India got Independence in 1947, it was not for any particular community or caste but for the entire country.

"When we wrote our Constitution, did we write it for the people of one particular language, religion or caste? No, it was for the entire country. Twenty years ago, when our 500 soldiers gave their lives on the icy heights... whom did they sacrifice their life for?" Modi posed.

He recalled the heroics of Major Sarvanand who hailed from Tamil Nadu and served in the Bihar Regiment and was awarded the Vir Chakra, Delhi resident Captain Hanifuddin of the Rajputana Rifles and Captain Vikram Batra from Himachal Pradesh who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

"'Yeh Dil Maange More' (words of Capt Batra)... for whom did his heart ask for more. Not for himself, or for any language, religion or caste. This was for the entire country, for Mother India.

"Let's resolve that these sacrifice will not go in vain and we will take inspiration from the deeds of these martyrs and build the India of their dreams," Modi said.