Tribute Ceremony at Kargil Chowk and Grand Honor Program Held at Pandit Deendayal Bhavan

Surat: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Surat Metropolitan Unit today paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the Kargil War on the occasion of Kargil Victory Day. Retired soldiers who contributed to national service were also honored.

Every year, July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Victory Day in India. This day symbolizes India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War, which was declared as Kargil Victory Day by the then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Continuing this tradition, BJP Surat Metropolitan today remembered the soldiers who attained martyrdom in the war by offering floral tributes at Kargil Chowk. Following this, an honor ceremony was organized at the party headquarters, Pandit Deendayal Bhavan. On this occasion, retired soldiers were draped with shawls as a gesture of gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

The dignified event was attended by retired soldiers including Manmohan Sharma, N.K. Desai, Jayantibhai, along with a large number of ex-servicemen and their families from Surat Metropolitan.

The program saw the presence of BJP Surat Metropolitan President Paresh Patel, Surat Metropolitan Mayor Daksesh Mavani, BJP Surat Metropolitan General Secretaries Kishorbhai Bindal and Kalubhai Bhimanth, MLA Purnesh Modi, Surat Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Dr. Narendra Patil, Standing Committee Chairman Rajan Patel, Ruling Party Leader Mrs. Shashiben Tripathi, Dandak Dharmesh Vaniyawala, BJP Surat Metropolitan Vice Presidents Pankaj Desai and Rasik Patel, Youth Front President Bhavin Topiwala, Women’s Front President Mrs. Shilaben Tarpara, along with prominent party workers and distinguished citizens of the city.

Kargil Chowk

Kargil Chowk is a prominent public square and memorial located in Patna, Bihar, India, dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The site features a war memorial with the names of martyrs and symbolizes patriotism and sacrifice. It serves as a gathering place for ceremonies, especially on Kargil Vijay Diwas (Victory Day), commemorating India’s victory in the conflict.

Pandit Deendayal Bhavan

Pandit Deendayal Bhavan is a cultural and political landmark in New Delhi, India, dedicated to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a prominent philosopher and co-founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The site serves as a memorial and center for promoting his ideology of “Integral Humanism” and the principles of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It also hosts exhibitions, seminars, and events related to Indian nationalism and socio-political thought.

Kargil Victory Day

Kargil Victory Day, observed annually on **July 26** in India, commemorates the success of **Operation Vijay** in 1999, when the Indian Armed Forces reclaimed strategic peaks in the Kargil-Dras sector from Pakistani infiltrators. The day honors the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the **Kargil War**, a conflict that lasted over two months and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Celebrations include tributes at war memorials, patriotic events, and recognition of veterans.

Kargil War

The Kargil War was a military conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999, fought in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. It began when Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian territory, leading to a two-month-long battle before India regained control. The war highlighted ongoing tensions over Kashmir and remains a significant event in the history of both nations.

Surat Metropolitan Unit

The Surat Metropolitan Unit refers to the urban administrative region surrounding Surat, a major city in Gujarat, India, known for its diamond and textile industries. Historically, Surat was a prominent Mughal-era port and trading hub, often called the “Gateway to Mecca” due to its importance for pilgrims. Today, it is a rapidly growing metropolitan area with a rich cultural heritage and modern economic significance.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is one of India’s major political parties, founded in 1980, though its ideological roots trace back to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (established in 1951). Advocating Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) and conservative policies, the BJP rose to prominence in the 1990s and has dominated Indian politics under leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. It is currently the ruling party, holding a majority in the Indian Parliament since 2014.

Surat Municipal Corporation

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is the governing civic body responsible for the administration of Surat, a major city in Gujarat, India. Established in 1852 under British rule, it is one of the oldest municipal corporations in the country and played a key role in Surat’s development as a thriving commercial and industrial hub. Today, SMC is known for its urban planning initiatives, including effective waste management and infrastructure projects, following the city’s recovery from a devastating plague in 1994.

Standing Committee

The term *Standing Committee* typically refers to a permanent subgroup within a larger organization, such as a government or legislative body, that focuses on specific ongoing issues. For example, in China, the *Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC)* is the highest legislative body when the full NPC is not in session, playing a key role in lawmaking and constitutional interpretation since its establishment under the 1954 Constitution. Similar standing committees exist in other governments and organizations worldwide to ensure continuous governance and specialized oversight.