To tribute kalawad boy, Kalawad was closed

Kalawad (Jamangar): The entire township of Kalawad observed bandh on Wednesday to mourn the death of Hitesh Thesia, 25, who laid down his life fighting militancy in Jammu on Monday. Jawans from Indian Army accorded the Guard of Honour to Thesia as the funeral procession arrived in the crematorium.

About 20,000 citizens participated in the funeral procession in Kalawad, where shops downed their shutters and schools and government offices remained close in the honour of Thesia, who died in a jeep accident after his vehicle was fired at by terrorists in Doda district of Kashmir.
After the cremation, a ‘shraddhanjali’ was organised in the town where local leaders of all parties, educationists, traders and people from all walks of life offered prayers and condolences to his family. “Thesia always said he wanted to go and fight the terrorists in Kashmir and end militancy,” said one of his kin.
A native of Kalawad and son of a farmer, Thesia was a student of commerce in Rajkot. His brother Ashish is an MBA student in London. However, Thesia left studies to pursue his passion to fight for the country and joined the Indian Army five years ago. Shooting, parasailing and adventure sports were his passions.
Thesia was in his hometown a week ago for his engagement. Thesia got engaged to Neha Mansuriya here. He resumed duty beginning of the week and was travelling in an Army jeep when terrorists fired at them. The driver lost control and the jeep fell into a gorge, killing Thesia and his colleague on the spot. Other jawans were injured in the accident. SOURCE: SANDESH

Hitesh Thesia

Remebering The soldiers on Kargil Vijay Day

It’s been a decade since the Army emerged victorious in the Kargil War regaining control over Indian territory occupied by Pakistani forces. On Kargil Vijay Divas, to be observed on July 26, the city youth will join hands to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the war.

The Chartered Accountancy Students’ Association (CASA) at Inner Quest, Sector 32, will organise a marathon on Sunday followed by a candlelighting ceremony at the Chandigarh War Memorial in Sector 3.

Sukhleen Sodhi, an executive member of CASA, says the association has organised various events like treasure hunts or reunions in the last few years. “But those were purely for fun. This year, we decided to take up our responsibility towards those who laid down their lives in order to keep us safe,” she says.

Over a hundred members of CASA and several former defence personnel are expected to participate in the event. The marathon is scheduled to start at 6 pm from the Sector 17-plaza and conclude at the Chandigarh War Memorial. The candle-lighting ceremony will be held at 7 pm. Notices have been displayed at the DSOI and SOI requesting people to be a part of the event. Sodhi adds: “We want everyone to turn up in hugIt’s been a decade since the Army emerged victorious in the Kargil War regaining control over Indian territory occupied by Pakistani forces. On Kargil Vijay Divas, to be observed on July 26, the city youth will join hands to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the war.

The Chartered Accountancy Students’ Association (CASA) at Inner Quest, Sector 32, will organise a marathon on Sunday followed by a candlelighting ceremony at the Chandigarh War Memorial in Sector 3.

Sukhleen Sodhi, an executive member of CASA, says the association has organised various events like treasure hunts or reunions in the last few years. “But those were purely for fun. This year, we decided to take up our responsibility towards those who laid down their lives in order to keep us safe,” she says.

Over a hundred members of CASA and several former defence personnel are expected to participate in the event. The marathon is scheduled to start at 6 pm from the Sector 17-plaza and conclude at the Chandigarh War Memorial. The candle-lighting ceremony will be held at 7 pm. Notices have been displayed at the DSOI and SOI requesting people to be a part of the event. Sodhi adds: “We want everyone to turn up in huge numbers at the event to prove that we care for our soldiers.”
e numbers at the event to prove that we care for our soldiers.”

Tribute To Major Rushikesh Ramani

TO MOM, WITH LOVE On his last visit home, Major Ramani had gifted the cap in the pic above to his mom. The grieving Ramanis are hoping their son's sacrifice will inspire more Gujarati youths to join the armed forces

Words can't describe the pain of Vallabh Ramani, who on June 7 lost his son Major Rushikesh Ramani to enemy bullets in Kashmir. On Sunday, the grieving father had a concern: "I hope boys from Gujarat are inspired, and not scared, by my son's death. Gujarat's presence in the armed forces is very little. The greatest tribute to Rushikesh will be more Gujaratis protecting our borders."

Vallabh Ramani, an advocate, was unable to hide his tears when he said, "My child had chosen this life. I am a successful advocate and Rushikesh could have followed me in legal profession. But he always wanted to be an Armyman. My son is a winner."

IN HAPPIER TIMES: Major Rushikesh Ramani with his father Vallabhbhai

Vallabh Ramani has a message for all those who want to pay a tribute to Major Ramani. "If you think my son died a worthy death, don't be scared by what happened to him. Let his death not be a deterrent. Let it be an inspiration. It's time we Gujaratis get more involved in the country's armed forces. If one Rushikesh can push back so many terrorists, imagine what thousands of Gujaratis can do."

Rushikesh was inspired by his uncle, Wing Commander Ashok Patel, to seek a career in the armed forces. Said the Wing Commander, "Rushikesh was a tough boy, and his father is a tough man. We will be happy if Rushikesh's death makes a difference in our thinking. It's important to live for others."

He said Rushikesh was a bright cadet, and had a number of choices even in the armed forces. "But he chose the Infantry. Infantry units have more physically demanding training than other branches of armies, and place a greater emphasis on discipline, fitness and physical strength. Rushikesh had set his sights very, very high. He wanted to become a General one day, and he knew Infantrymen stood the best chance."

Major Ramani's cousins, Hiren and Nrupen, remember him as a focused man, but also a fun-loving youngster. Said Nrupen, "He would freak out on Govinda movies whenever he would get a chance to come home."

The cousins, who shared a deep bond with the Major, often discussed the dangers of Army life. Said Hiren, "I used to tell him, 'Zyaada bahaduri mat dikhana'. Think about your life. And you know what he would tell me, 'When I wear this uniform, I think of nothing else but the country. If I fail in that, I will never be able to look my men in the eye.'

√ Major Rushikesh Ramani fought five militants and took 12 bullets
√ His team fought for two days between June 5 and 7 amid heavy rain
√ They survived on just dry fruits and chocolates
√ Major Ramani lost his footing and fell near the militants
√ Undeterred, he managed to kill three terrorists

Only 10 MPs pay tribute to Parliament attack martyrs

Eight years before it was this day Indian Parliament was attacked by terrorists. But many of our politicians seem to have forgotten the contribution made by those heros as only ten MPs turned out to pay homage to those seven martyers who laid down their lives trying to defend the custodian of the country's polity.

Bloody memories of 2001 Parliament attack came alive on Saturday, Dec 13 at a function to mark the martyrdom of the security personnel who laid down their lives to save the symbol of democracy. Somnath Chatterjee, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, L K Advani, leader of Opposition, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders of various political parties offered floral tributes.

The widow and son of Ghanshyam Singh of Delhi Police were among others who offered flowers at the plaque put up on the spot of the encounter with the terrorists on December 13, 2001.

"Mumbai terror attacks is not a solitary incident, but part of a war unleashed by terrorists two decades back," said Advani to media. He added, "The government must give a befitting reply to such attacks." He said that whole world was looking forward to India, to see how the resolution to fight terrorism recently adopted unanimously in Parliament being implemented.

On Friday, Dec 11 both the houses of the Parliament paid tributes to martyrs and recalled the prime sacrifice by the security personnel in foiling the attempt of the terrorists.

One woman constable of CRPF, 5 security personnel of Delhi police and two security assistants of Parliament Watch and Ward section died in preventing the entry of terrorists into Parliament House. A photojournalist and a gardener too lost their lives in the incident.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)