‘Honouring Courage, Sacrifice and Patriotism through Youth Engagement’
Leh, Jul 30: The University of Ladakh, in a proud collaboration with Yuva Bharat Ladakh, commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas with a Special Lecture held at the Conference Hall of Leh Campus. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit, courage, and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War of 1999.
The commemorative lecture, attended by faculty, students, and youth leaders, served as a platform to instil a strong sense of nationalism, resilience, and collective responsibility in the young minds of Ladakh. The function was organized under the banner of the Viksit Bharat Abhiyan (1947–2047) with the theme of “Nation First, Always First.”
The program commenced with a warm introduction by Mr. Kartik Sharma, a student from the Department of RS & GIS, University of Ladakh, who eloquently set the tone for the event. He invited all dignitaries and participants to observe a moment of silence in memory of the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War.
A traditional welcome ceremony followed, where khataks were offered and mementoes presented to the guests, upholding the cultural ethos of Ladakh and honouring the guests with warmth and reverence.
Dr. Punam Kumari, Assistant Professor, delivered the formal welcome address, appreciating the presence of the distinguished guests, especially Retired Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra awardee and Chief Guest for the event, and Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh.
She acknowledged the University’s commitment to integrating national values and historical consciousness into higher education. She further emphasized that such commemorative events not only pay tribute to our martyrs but also build bridges between academia, defence forces, and youth organisations.
In a key segment of the program, Dr. Kailash B. Goswami, Coordinator of Yuva Bharat Ladakh, introduced the Yuva Bharat movement and its local chapter. He articulated the vision and mission of Yuva Bharat in Ladakh, underlining its focus on youth leadership, civic awareness, and cultural integration.
Dr. Goswami said, “Yuva Bharat Ladakh is not merely an organisation but a national movement that believes in empowering the youth with ideals of service, integrity, and patriotism. Through initiatives like these, we aim to ignite the spirit of nation-building among the younger generation in the unique cultural context of Ladakh.”
The audience was then immersed in a short video documentary titled “Kargil Vijay Diwas” curated by Yuva Bharat Ladakh. The video depicted the timeline of the 1999 conflict, the challenges faced by the armed forces, and the heroic stories of the soldiers who emerged as legends in India’s military history. The visuals evoked emotions and admiration, reminding all present of the price of freedom and the value of peace.
The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, addressed the gathering with a stirring speech. He emphasized the significance of revisiting such landmark historical moments and educating students about India’s valiant history.
Prof. Kushwaha stated: “The Kargil War is not just a military event—it is a lesson in resilience, strategy, and national unity. As an academic institution, our duty is to keep this legacy alive through education and engagement. The youth of Ladakh must draw inspiration from the sacrifices of these brave soldiers and contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.”
He further praised Yuva Bharat Ladakh for its efforts in cultivating a sense of civic responsibility among students and youth leaders of the region.
The most awaited segment of the event was the Keynote Lecture delivered by Retired Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC, one of the real-life heroes of the Kargil War, known for his extraordinary leadership in high-altitude warfare, Col. Wangchuk shared his personal experiences from the battlefield.
With humility and clarity, he recounted the harsh conditions in which the soldiers fought—treacherous terrain, freezing temperatures, and the ever-looming threat of enemy fire. His words held the audience spellbound as he said: “Kargil was not just about winning a battle. It was about proving our unity, our courage, and our undying love for the motherland. Every soldier knew they might not return, yet they fought because they believed in something greater than themselves.”
He also inspired students to uphold the values of discipline, service, and sacrifice in their daily lives, urging them to be responsible citizens.
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Tawseef, who expressed deep gratitude to all the dignitaries, organisers, and student volunteers for making the event a grand success. He acknowledged the guidance and constant support from the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and the active partnership with Yuva Bharat Ladak.
The event was also graced by Dean academic affairs Dr. Sonam Joldan, Dean Student Welfare Dr. Jigmet Dechen, Dean Commerce and management Dr. Stanzin Mentok and Members of Student Union, Leh Campus, UOL.
Following the formal sessions, a group photograph was taken, capturing the spirit of unity and remembrance. The attendees were then invited for refreshments, during which informal interactions between students and dignitaries took place, sparking conversations on patriotism, career in armed forces, and youth empowerment.
The Special Lecture on Kargil Vijay Diwas served not just as a tribute but as a meaningful dialogue between generations. Students walked away with a deeper understanding of the values of sacrifice, leadership, and national unity. The event successfully bridged the gap between historical memory and present-day citizenship through academic engagement, multimedia, and lived experiences.
Such events represent the University of Ladakh’s and Yuva Bharat Ladakh commitment to holistic education, where intellectual growth is harmonised with ethical and civic responsibilities. Under the guidance of Prof. Kushwaha and in partnership with Yuva Bharat Ladakh, the university continues to pioneer educational programs rooted in national values and inclusive development.
