Honoring Valor: Gyan Setu Think Tank & CCF Host Memorable Kargil Vijay Diwas Event in Chandigarh

On July 20, 2026, the iconic Tagore Theatre in Sector 18, Chandigarh, stood witness to an extraordinary gathering of courage, remembrance, and national pride. Organized jointy by the Gyan Setu Think Tank (GSTT) and the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF), the commemoration event for Kargil Vijay Diwas evoked an overwhelming response from citizens, veterans, dignitaries, and youth across the Tricity region.

More than a commemorative gathering, the event represented a modest yet deeply felt effort to carry forward the incredible legacy of Kargil’s bravehearts and the valiant military units that secured victory against all odds.

A Constellation of Heroes Under One Roof

The event was presided over by the Governor (UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria) and dynamically steered by General V. P. Malik (Retd.), who led the Indian Army during Operation Vijay in 1999.

The atmosphere inside Tagore Theatre turned electric as decorated heroes, military leaders, and families of martyrs took the stage:

• Shri G. L. Batra, father of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra (“Yeh Dil Maange More”), whose presence served as a poignant reminder of supreme sacrifice.
• Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (PVC), sharing firsthand accounts of grit at Tiger Hill.
• Distinguished military commanders including Gen. Mohinder Puri, Gen. Amar Aul, and Gen. Y. K. Joshi.
• Field leaders and veterans including Brig. Devinder Singh, Brig. Kushal Thakur, Brig. Bhaskar, and Capt. Raghunath.
• Courageous Veer Naris, led by Lt. Col. Romi Randhawa, who were honored for their resilience and unwavering support to the nation.

Key Highlights of the Commemoration

1. Felicitations & Personal Accounts: The Governor and Gen. V. P. Malik felicitated Shri G. L. Batra and the present Veer Naris. The venue echoed with applause as living legends recounted the tactical challenges and unyielding spirit required to reclaim icy heights like Tololing and Tiger Hill.
2. Intergenerational Bridge: A central focus was engaging youth. Scores of students, NSS volunteers, and young professionals filled the auditorium, bridging the gap between those who fought in 1999 and the generation shaping India’s future.
3. Preserving Operational Memory: Speakers emphasized that remembering Kargil isn’t just about looking back at military history, but learning operational lessons, maintaining strategic readiness, and embedding patriotism into everyday civic life.

Gyan Setu Think Tank contributed in three major ways:

• Curating Strategic Memory: GSTT ensures that the operational lessons and historic acts of valor during Operation Vijay are systematically documented and shared beyond military barracks.
• Fostering Civil-Military Fusion: Through initiatives like Know Your Fauji and civil-military seminars, GSTT breaks down silos between civilians and armed forces. Bringing citizens directly into contact with living legends at Tagore Theatre was a direct execution of this vision.
• Inspiring Strategic Literacy: GSTT continues to decentralize strategic discourse, encouraging young minds to think critically about national security, border defence, and civil duty.

As the event concluded, the collective sentiment at Tagore Theatre was clear: the heroism shown in 1999 must remain a active source of inspiration for generations to come. Through collaborative endeavors like this, Gyan Setu Think Tank ensures that the sacrifices of our soldiers are never forgotten, and their legacy continues to guide the nation forward.