Kargil war heroes of Jamshedpur recall tales of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism

26^th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Manpreet Bhatia

Jamshedpur, July 26: As the nation marks the 26th anniversary of the Kargil War victory on July 26, residents of Jamshedpur are paying heartfelt tributes to local heroes who served in the 1999 conflict. Known as Kargil Vijay Diwas, this day honors the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives or returned triumphant after reclaiming the heights occupied by Pakistan during the war, codenamed Operation Vijay.

The 60-day conflict officially ended on 26 July 1999, with India’s successful recapture of strategic peaks in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 500 Indian soldiers were martyred and over 1,300 injured. Jharkhand contributed many sons to this battlefront—some who sacrificed their lives, and others who came home bearing stories of resilience, grit, and unyielding patriotism.

Below are the powerful voices of four veterans from Jamshedpur and surrounding regions who served during Kargil and beyond.

I just wanted my children to have a better life: Sergeant Deepak Sharma

Sergeant Deepak Kumar Sharma, a resident of Aastha Twin City, served in the Indian Air Force for 26 years. During the Kargil war, he was posted at AF Station Agra, 106 Squadron “Canberra A/C”, where he played a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance photography for the Central Board of Engineers (CBE).

Sharma’s distinguished service saw him deployed in several key units including 37 Squadron, 18 Wing, and 152 Squadron. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded numerous medals including the 9 Years and 20 Years Long Service Medals, the 50th Independence Anniversary Medal, Desert Medal, Ops Parakram, and Ops Vijay. After retiring, he began working at a bank but continues to inspire many with his commitment to the country.

We pressurised the enemy from all sides: Havaldar K.N. Singh

With a career spanning 30 years, Havaldar K.N. Singh served during some of India’s most crucial military operations including Operation Rakshak, Operation Vijay, and peacekeeping under the United Nations. He was part of the Bihar Regiment, long known for its bravery and strategic strength.

Singh recalls his deployment during Kargil: “We were under the leadership of Deputy Commandant S.S. Jasrotia and Lt. Gurmeet Singh. We were told, ‘Press the border and don’t give them room to breathe.’ That’s exactly what we did.”

His postings took him to tough terrains—Arunachal Pradesh, Srinagar, and even war-torn South Sudan. For Singh, patriotism wasn’t just a feeling—it was a daily mission. “I kept the shine of patriotism in my eyes. I didn’t know what else to do, so I kept a bang in my voice,” he says, quoting his personal motto. After three decades of exemplary service, Singh retired in 2018, his chest full of medals and memories.

Even now, I’m ready to serve if called: Retired officer Yogeshwar Nand Singh

Yogeshwar Nand Singh, a Telco resident served in the Navy from 2002, specializing as a mechanical engineer and trained naval diver. Despite a strong desire to join Marine Commandos for combat roles, he was deployed on INS Nirupak, a naval ship used for humanitarian operations during the 2004 Indonesia tsunami.

Singh’s work included underwater surveys and rescue missions across the Indian Ocean and the Maldives. “Even today, I keep myself fit and ready,” he says. “If the Jharkhand government or the city calls, I’ll report without delay. I still want to see Pakistan broken into four parts.”

My arms still tremble to take revenge: Havaldar Manik Vardha

Havaldar Manik Vardha, a soldier from Govindpur Gadra, continues to embody the undying spirit of the Indian Army despite having lost both arms and legs in the Kargil war. A veteran of peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka before Kargil, he recalls how his troop reached the Uri sector under constant firing, calling it “the golden moment for a soldier.”

Buried under snow for 18 hours after a mountain slide, Vardha was rescued and treated in Srinagar, Udhampur, and finally at Pune’s Artificial Limb Fitting Centre. “The mission remains incomplete,” he says with emotion. His wife is a school teacher, while his elder son is an engineer in Delhi.

As the country salutes its heroes this Kargil Vijay Diwas, stories like those of Deepak Sharma, K.N. Singh, Yogeshwar Singh, and Manik Vardha serve as powerful reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring patriotism of India’s soldiers.