Coursemates come together to pay homage to Kargil hero

He gave up his life at a very young age for securing the country's present during the Kargil conflict of 1999. 19 years later, wish of Captain Keshing Clifford Nongrum, Maha Vir Chakra, has finally being fulfilled.

Indian Army officers (both serving and veterans) of SS64 (NT) course visited the parents of their coursemate Capt Keishing in Shillong, who is the only MVC of their course and of the state of Meghalaya.

The idea of visiting his parents came after Lt Col Sandeep Ahlawat's heartfelt tributes to his coursemate Capt Keishing on Facebook went viral. This led to Sandeep and Clifford's family member getting in touch with each other and the idea took shape. The entire course unanimously felt that is the least that they can do for a coursemate who gave up his today for our tomorrow at a very young the age of 24.

The officers on behalf of the course presented a banner to Capt Keshing's parents. The carefully and emotionally worded banner not only celebrates his death but also very subtly thanks the parents of Captain for giving their son for the nation's cause.

This gesture of the officers, of course, SS-64 (NT) of Officers Training Academy visiting the parents of their coursemate martyred in Op Vijay (Kargil war) is sterling example brotherhood and spirit- de-corp being practiced in India Army.

Lt Col Ahlawat also delivered a motivational talk to the students of St Anthony's College, Shillong, of which Captain Keshing was an alumnus. The young Captain had shared his desire in March 1999 with his then Principal about motivating the students of his college to join the Indian Army.

However, his wish could not materialise as he was martyred in July 1999 during Operation Vijay. And this wish was finally fullfilled by his coursemate Lt Col Ahlawat yesterday when he addressed approximately 600 students of St Anthony's College.

Five other coursemates of Captain Keshing (Lt Col S Dalal, Maj V Marchino, Capt SS Gulia, Capt V Jaglan) who had come all the way from Delhi also attended the session. His parents s were also in attendance and were the Guest of honour.

In his address, Lt Col Ahlawat urged the students to strive for knowledge and character.

He said there were good opportunities for both boys and girls to join the Indian Army as an officer. He also mentioned the role played by Indian Army in nation-building. He explained how the Indian Army is the most respected and loved organisation in the Country. The officer also mentioned how all Indian Army officers owes their allegiance only to the Constitution of India and Republic of India.

He also explained opportunities for girls and how girls have been doing wonders in the defence forces as well. Besides, the life in the Army draws huge respect among the citizens, he said, while explaining them the job opportunities in the technical and non-technical wings in the Army. Exhorting the students to put the nation first in their schemes of things, he elaborated upon the types of entry schemes for girls and boys to become a commissioned officers.

This unprecendent gesture of five coursemates coming from all nook and corners of the country and meeting the martyred coursemate's parents speaks volumes about the ethos if the Indian Army. The words inscribed on banner can make any proud Indian's eyes moist. This further cements our faith that the Indian Army is in safe hands and we as citizen are in safe hands of the Indian Army.