Mysore/Mysuru: National Security Guard (NSG) Force Commander Brigadier B.M. Cariappa (Baleyada Muthanna Cariappa) was conferred the prestigious ‘Rotary Sainik Desh Rathna’ award at a programme jointly organised by Rotary Mysore Midtown and Shrisainik Foundation at Rotary Centre Hall on JLB Road here yesterday.

Speaking after conferring the award, Col. (retd.) Ravi Shirahatti lauded the acts of Brig. B.M. Cariappa during the victorious Kargil War against Pakistan.

Pointing out that Brig. Cariappa’s achievements and works are a model to young servicemen as well as armed service aspirants, Ravi Shirahatti said that though several will be willing to don Army uniform, it is not possible for many.

Noting that donning the Army uniform is a pride for everyone, he said that it is important to understand the past and history of Wars. Maintaining that those serving in the Army should be ready for sacrifice, he said, as such, the honour of Armymen will continue even after their retirement from service. Observing that a tree’s future depends upon the deep-rootedness and sturdiness of its roots, he said that the service profession demands valour, integrity, sacrifice and commitment. In the absence of these, the purpose of serving in the Army cannot be fulfilled, he said adding that he (Ravi) feels proud to have served the Indian Army.

Brig. Cariappa who spoke after being conferred with the award, reminisced on how he led his group during the 1999 Kargil War.

Noting that the first two attempts of the Indian Army in capturing the Khalubar Hills in Kashmir had failed, he said that he was then entrusted with the responsibility of capturing it, following which he came up with an innovative operation and succeeded in doing the job.

Explaining how the Kargil War was won, he said that crucial decisions were taken by the Indian Army during the War which resulted in a crushing defeat for Pakistan’s misadventure.

Earlier, Brig. Cariappa was accorded a grand welcome at the venue with Hootagalli KHB Colony’s Rotary Midtown Academy students playing Musical Instruments and saluting him.

Rotary Midtown President Rtn. M.S. Naveen Chandra, Hon. Secretary Rtn. S. Kumaraswamy, Rtn. K.L. Rakesh Babu, Rtn. S. Abhilash and others were present.