Two college students cycled 3,200 km to pay homage to Kargil war martyrs

Two college students from Bengaluru pedalled for more than 60 days and 3,200 kilometres to pay respects to the martyrs at the war monument in this location on the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, navigating through flood-affected areas during the monsoon and battling typhoid. The two set out on their journey to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by army soldiers and reached out to multiple National Cadet Corps (NCC) units on their way. The two were motivated by the bravery of Army Captain Vijayant Thapar, who died in the Kargil war.

Krishnan A, a BBA student at Ramaiah College and Peddi Sai Kaushik, a BCom student at St Joseph’s University, are NCC cadets and wish to clear the Combined Defense Services exam to serve the country as members of the armed forces. Krishan told PTI, “We started the expedition in May and reached the Kargil War Memorial on July 24, two days before Vijay Diwas. It took us over two months. The journey was really difficult but the moment we were here, it felt magical.”

He added, My cycling partner got typhoid during the journey and that slowed us down for two weeks. I met an accident and for some time we had to take a rest. But it was worth the effort.” The route they took was the Kanyakumari-Srinagar highway and hoped to finish their mission before monsoon. The two were overjoyed when, upon their arrival in Dras, they were recognised and handed VIP passes to the Vijay Diwas wreath-laying ceremony.

“On New Year, I was reading a book about Captain Vijayant Thapar who was martyred during the war and was greatly inspired by him. He was awarded the Vir Chakra. I asked my family and friends to name five others who have won a gallantry award, but no one was able to. That is when I realised that there is a dire need to spread awareness about the warriors who sacrificed their lives for our nation,” said Sai Kaushik.