On the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, nearly 500 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets under the aegis of the West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate and Kolkata C Group paid solemn tribute to Captain Kanad Bhattacharya, Sena Medal (Posthumous), Bengal’s own Kargil hero and the first Army officer from Kolkata to lay down his life during Operation Vijay in the 1999 Kargil War.
The commemorative event reflected the NCC’s enduring commitment to preserving the legacy of India’s Armed Forces and inspiring the younger generation with the ideals of courage, patriotism, and selfless service.
The programme commenced with a silent march from Kendriya Vidyalaya Vijay Durg to the James Prinsep Memorial, where the cadets assembled for a candlelight vigil. The illuminated memorial served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the nation’s soldiers in safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The tribute ceremony also featured patriotic recitations by poets from across Kolkata, honouring the valour and sacrifice of Captain Kanad Bhattacharya and all personnel who fought during the Kargil conflict. The evening concluded with a collective rendition of the iconic patriotic song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, as hundreds of cadets joined in paying homage to the nation’s fallen heroes along the banks of the Hooghly.
Captain Kanad Bhattacharya’s supreme sacrifice continues to inspire generations of young Indians. His courage, leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty remain a source of pride for Bengal and the nation, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
As the country marks Kargil Vijay Diwas, the tribute by the NCC cadets stood as more than a commemorative event—it reaffirmed the resolve of India’s youth to uphold the values of duty, honour, and service before self for which Captain Kanad Bhattacharya and his comrades made the ultimate sacrifice. Their legacy continues to inspire the nation’s future defenders and strengthen the spirit of national unity and patriotism.
