Kargil heroes: Inspiration for the young

It's been 10 years since the Kargil War, the first war in the subcontinent that was played out on live television. The war inspired many young people - both men and women - to join the army.

"When we saw and heard the stories of the war, I felt proud and motivated to join the army. Now, I could not have asked for a better beginning to my career being here in the place that inspired me in the first place," said Lt Girija, adjutant, Engineers Regiment.

Kargil war inspired Girija and Shraddha to join the army. As school girls during the war, they did not realise the importance of the event but still felt inspired to enroll in the Army.

"Even at that age, I, like many others, thought I should contribute something. The spirit was such at that time," said Shraddha, adjutant, Single Regiment.

Coincidentally, both Girija and Shraddha are currently posted in two neighbouring units in the Kargil, Drass sector, and both have identical jobs in their respective battalion. As adjutants, they are the lynchpin of their unit, acting as an important link between the commanding officer and the soldiers.

Girija and Shraddha are of course not alone. Several men, who were boys back then - Lt Gagandeep, Lt Saurabhand and Lt Chakraveer - coincidentally posted in Kargil have identical stories.

The Kargil War inspired scores of young men and women to take up army career post-Kargil. These officers will become leaders of men in coming years and serve the Army well.