It’s been 23 years since many lost their lives in the Kargil War. They say time heals every wound, but does one move on from the loss of a dear one? On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we speak to those families who lost their members on the battlefield fighting for their country.
Sagar Shinde, 28
Son of Lance Naik Shankar Raja Ram Shinde from Jejuri
The absence of a father has always stung us from childhood. All that we are eating, living is because of him. He was just 34, when he passed away. It stinks that he left us so soon and couldn’t enjoy anything in life. He didn’t have a mother since he was a child and was raised by his father. If he was there with us today we would have done everything to ensure he is happy. I was just five years old when he left us. I don’t remember much, but whenever he would return from Srinagar he would bring big boxes of apples. That’s the only memory I have of him. On Kargil Diwas we usually light up a candle in front of his statue that’s in our village. If I could get a chance to say something to him, I’ll just say, ‘Baba, we are happy and content. But we miss you a lot.’
Minakshi Bhise, 43
Wife of Naik Shirish Kumar Bhise from Khadakwadi
I’m extremely proud of being his wife. There has not been a single day since he has gone, that I have not thought about him. He is there in every breath of mine, and will be there till the very end. I’m alive because of him. He was very talented. He was proud of his duty and it was his priority. Mene bohot punya kiye honge jo wo meri life mein aaye. He was God’s special gift to me. Our daughter is just like him. She was born just a day before our wedding anniversary and he used to tell me that I have given her as a wedding gift to you. She was quite young, when he passed away. She couldn’t even speak back then. Last I remember, when he was going, he really wanted her to say, ‘Baba’. He told me that I would return soon and when I do I want to hear her say, ‘Baba’.
Ganesh Rajpure, 24
Son of BSFconstable Vijay Mahadeo Rajpure from Pawaimal
I have been lonely without my father. It’s like the spine of my life has been taken away. There was no one who supported me, except my mother. I was two years old when he left. I have just seen him in pictures. I have no memory of him. I just wish he could come back somehow. I just wish he was there in front of my eyes, I could just speak to him. There’s so much to say, but I just don’t have words. I have not seen him. (But) People tell me I look like him. I have the same height, colour and personality as him.
