Vishal Bharti
Jammu, July 2 :
In March this year she hung up her boots but the devotion and the passion for the olive still runs in her blood.
A fourth-generation Army officer hails from a distinguished military family– Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Barsha Rai, a regular athlete as well, with high ‘josh’ is toiling hard and practicing daily for her scheduled 100 miles (160 km) run from Srinagar to Kargil War Memorial to mark the Kargil Vijay Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav (silver jubilee) falling on July 26.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 every year to mark the victory of the Indian Army in the Kargil War of 1999.
“The run is aimed at spreading awareness and for remembrance of our fallen heroes,” says Lt Col Rai.
Stationed at Srinagar along with her husband, who is also posted in the Valley, Lt Col Rai under the guidance of her trainer is sweating hard to fulfill her dream of covering a distance of 160 kilometers on July 20 from Srinagar to Kargil War Memorial.
“This year it is Kargil Vijay Rajat Jayanti and both of us (husband) wanted to make it memorable. Several suggestions were floated regarding conducting an activity but finally, after deliberations with my trainer, the idea to run covering 100 miles was conceived and on July 20 it turned into an action,” Lt Col Rai told UNI.
An alumnus of the prestigious Officers Training Academy, Chennai, where she was awarded the Garhwal Medal (Gold medal in academics), Lt Col Rai says, “This run is not just a personal journey for me; it is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Kargil War.”
“It is a way to remember and honour the sacrifice of those who never returned, and to pay homage to the countless families who endured the pain of separation and loss,” expressed the lady officer.
As the officer’s extensive field experience spans the Jammu and Kashmir region, northern borders, and the eastern and middle sectors of the Indian Army, she stated, “As I embark on this 160 km journey, each step will be a reminder of the courage and dedication of our armed forces.”
“The physical challenges of my body and of this run pale in comparison to the hardships faced by our soldiers during the war. Our soldiers who marched into the unknown, exemplify the true spirit of patriotism and selflessness,” she opined.
“This year, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in our nation’s history as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. On July 20, I will be running 160 km from Srinagar to the Kargil War Memorial to honour this significant milestone,” said the officer.
Going down memory lane, Lt Col Rai said, “The Kargil War began when I was in the 7th grade. I remember how overnight on receipt of orders my father Colonel Keshab Rai, along with his unit and the entire station (he was posted as Second in Command in Sevoke Road), and all the other stations of our country marched on to defend our motherland. What followed were months and years of no contact, filled with uncertainties, loss, and despair”
“Yes, we were winning, but at what cost? It was at the cost of our bravehearts, the ones who gave their lives for us and our country’s future,” she narrated.
Lt Col Rai notably, has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her career, and from 2012 to 2014, she commanded an Independent Composite Platoon responsible for supply operations of an entire brigade in Tangdhar, amidst highly intense counter-terrorist operations.
“Through this run, I aim to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by our soldiers and to inspire others to remember and honour their contributions today and forever. The Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a day of celebration; it is a day of Reflection and Gratitude for the Freedom and Security we enjoy in present,” she said with pride.
“I invite everyone to join me in commemorating this historic event, whether by joining me in the run, spreading the word, or simply taking a moment to remember the heroes of the Kargil War. Let us come together as a nation to honour their legacy and ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” she appealed to the countrymen.
Her great-grandfather was a Military Cross Awardee, and she has carried forward this proud legacy with remarkable distinction. Commissioned into the Army Service Corps on March 20, 2010,
Lt Col Rai as an avid writer has also authored numerous articles and blogs, sharing her insights and experiences.
