Short film, drill highlight of Kargil anniversary function

A short film on the Kargil conflict, a dance act by Feel Crew and a continuity drill were among a host of events that marked the 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas Commemoration Function here on Saturday.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa and Navy chief, Admiral Karambir Singh and others.

The short film "Immortals of Kargil", with narration by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, was screened at the event.

In the around nine minute film, he recounts how Pakistan captured the strategic points of Kargil and how Indian soldiers fought valiantly to wrest back these positions from the enemy.

The film showed the coordination of the three forces and their operations, namely Indian Army with 'Operation Vijay', Indian Air Force's 'Operation Safed Sagar' and the Indian Navy's 'Operation Talwar'.

The short film was followed by a perfectly synchronised Continuity Drill performed by the soldiers, which left the audience amazed.

A very emotional dance act was performed by the Feel Crew artistes depicting the story of Kargil martyr, Lance Nayak Bachan Singh.

The performance showed how the soldier, in his last letter home, made his wife promise to make their son a soldier. His wife kept her word and their son Hitesh joined the army.

Afterwards, Lt Hitesh, along with his mother, came onto the stage amid loud applause.

This was followed by a mesmerising song by noted Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan.

Students from the Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan gave a performance on a song performed by the Shillong Chamber Choir.

The evening, named "Remember Rejoice Renew", ended on a lighter note with a performance by the Indian Navy band.

( With inputs from IANS )