YFLO Kolkata Chapter
LEAD THE DIFFERENCE with Colonel Lalit Rai
The story of “Operation Vijay” of the 1999 Kargil war held the YFLO members spellbound as the war hero recounted tales of valour. Told by the man who knew it the best — Vir Chakra recipient Colonel Lalit Rai who commanded the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles — the tale was riveting and left us with much more respect for our Army.
The Gorkha Rifles fought pitched battles in the perilous terrains of Khalubar —which provided the Indian Army the vital turning point.Located at 18,000 feet above the sea level, where temperature freezes to minus 32 degree Celsius, Khalubar was one of the toughest for the Army.From medical problems to a rough topograph— he and his 600-strong light brigade faced it all. To cap it, the enemy, well-equipped with stinger missiles, had captured a strategic position. Finally, after four days and nights without food, under constant fire, they succeeded in raising the Tricolour atop the 18,000 feet Khalubar point. At the time, he was left with barely eight of his men.
Key Takeaways:
- Things may seem impossible. But if you have the will, you will achieve.
- For your tomorrow, give up today.
“Let them come a thousand times… we will send them back a thousand times with a bleeding nose,” said Col. Lalit Rai in the spirit of the Army.
“A really great event. Very well organized, an enthralling speaker who held everyone spellbound. I learnt a lot about the very difficult conditions that our army operates in, the heroic sacrifices made by our armymen to protect the country’s sovereignty. Listening to Col Rai certainly was a humbling experience.”
Said by Mr. Gaurav Swarup, Chairman, FICCI West Bengal State Council who felicitated Colonel Lalit Rai at the event.
