The Indian Opinion
New Delhi
Learning history is vital because it offers a profound understanding of past events that have shaped the present. In line with this, CSKM Public School, Chattarpur, New Delhi, under the leadership of Col Prem Prakash, SM (Retd), Group Director, CSKM, hosted an unprecedented Inter-School Military History Seminar including Air Force Bal Bharti School, Delhi, UCSKM, Bhiwadi, Tinu Public School, Delhi, SBV Fatehpur Beri, and SBV Dera Village titled “Kargil Operation: A Watershed in India’s National Security in the Emerging Geopolitical Environment.”
The seminar, organized under the aegis of the United Service Institution of India (USI), commemorated the Silver Jubilee of the Kargil Operations of 1999. The seminar began with a Guard of Honour by NCC cadets, followed by an art exhibition inaugurated by Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM and Bar (Retd), DG, USI, and Cdr Bhavna Salaria (Retd), Senior Researcher, USI. Students of participating schools presented 3-D models of the Kargil War, setting a reverent tone for the event. A group photograph and a ceremonial lamp lighting marked the official opening, accompanied by a welcome song from the school choir. Dr. Shakuntala S. Jaiman, Director I-GiftEd, CSKM, extended a heartfelt welcome speech.
The key feature of the seminar was the student-led Inter-School syndicate group presentations, which covered key military operations from 1962 to 1971, culminating in an in-depth analysis of the Kargil War. The students also discussed future national security challenges through their eloquent speeches. These presentations fostered a sense of patriotism while offering younger generations a glimpse into the Indian military’s storied past.
To provide expert insights into the Kargil Operations, a distinguished panel discussion was held, moderated by Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd). The panel included Kargil War Veteran Brig Amul Asthana (Retd) of the Gorkha Regiment, Capt (IN) Sarabjeet Singh Parmar (Retd), and Gp Capt Vijay Shankar Rana, Indian Air Force (Retd). An interactive Q&A session allowed students to engage directly with these experts, enhancing their understanding of the war’s implications.
The seminar concluded with a winsome address by Maj Gen D A Chaturvedi, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd). Chief guests, panellists, and participants were honoured with mementoes and certificates, marking the successful summation of the event. Mr. Vivek Tiwari, Principal, CSKM, proposed a vote of thanks. All attendees were left with a profound sense of accomplishment, with the seminar poised to leave a lasting educational impact on those who participated, enriching their understanding of India’s military history, and encapsulating the day’s camaraderie.
This seminar will communicate a national spirit among the youth and students. It will be important for the young generations to understand and tackle the security challenges of India.