From Hashtags To Headlines
May 7, 2014
Public Library and Clean Locality is my Priority ~ Dr. Arti Chawla
May 9, 2014
The heroic saga and supreme sacrifice of a true national hero will be read by generations to come
SHANTA KUMAR, former CM of Himachal Pradesh
The Legacy of CAPTAIN
SAURABH KALIA
Kargil’s First War Hero
“WE ARE BECAUSE INDIANS OF INDIA”
– Dr. N. K. Kalia
A book documenting the marvelous life of Captain Saurabh Kalia, a Kargil war hero, whose mutilated body came back from Pakistan after twenty-two days of torture. Through this book, his father Dr. N.K. Kalia not only pens down the life journey of his son- Saurabh Kalia, but also continues his fight for justice.
“The Legacy of Captain Saurabh Kalia, Kargil’s first war hero” comes after twenty-six years of Kargil and also what would have been the forty-ninth birthday of Saurabh Kalia.
Dr. N. K. Kalia through an email interview, to Bhawna Malik, talks about his book and how he will continue his fight for justice.
Kargil’s First War Hero
Dr. N. K. Kalia
Malik: How do you remember Capt. Saurabh Kalia today when India completes 78 years of Independence?
Kalia: Though physical loss is always there, we never felt lonely as home calls, messages, visits from people within the country and also outside India cheered us up. We had strangers coming up to us and celebrating the life of my son Saurabh Kalia…I feel humbled for getting such love, respect, affection and deep sense of belonging.
We may have lost one Saurabh but thousands of Saurabh have joined us. We have a huge family now. Our family has grown immensely and is still growing. Indebted and grateful to each and every one indeed.
I can safely add that no soldier has received as much affection or been the subject of so much discussion and writing as Saurabh in post-Independence history. We are proud of our Army who has stood by us.
Malik: What made you write this book after twenty six years?
Kalia: Apparently, it is a huge effort. Several authors, publishers approached me and my family for this… but somehow I was not convinced. However, in 2023, a family friend forced me to agree to this venture, hence this book.
Malik: Between Kargil and Pahalgam, what has changed in 2025?
Kalia: Yes, there is a considerable visible change… Firstly, with the change in Government, Indian pose and posture has changed in the national and international arena. India has been more assertive and has been heard. Our image is far better in the international forums.
Earlier, our armed forces were deprived of their armaments but now, things have changed. They are well-equipped to face any challenge. No more stone pelting, abuses and interference from hypocritical human rights activists.
Needless to elaborate, some landmark decisions, the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan, post-Uri, post-Balakot actions, Operation Sindoor stands as the latest testimony of that change.
Malik: Please elaborate on your fight for justice that continues till now.
Kalia: This fight is not confined only to Capt. Saurabh Kalia and 5 soldiers. In fact, it is also for the dignity and honour of our brave soldiers. Any soldier fighting for the country commands respect.
According to the Geneva Convention, no soldier can be tortured or subjected to inhuman conditions like how Saurabh and his five soldiers were. It is uncommon in any war between two nations, their soldiers from either side are held captive but the barbaric torture by the Pakistan army is a national shame.
Fifty-four Indian Prisoners of War (POW’s) in the post-1971 wars are still in Pakistan. It has always been by Pakistan that prisoners of war were treated post-1971 war. What was done to Capt. Saurabh Kalia & his 5 soldiers…no parent or army or any nation should accept.
My fight will continue whether any result is achieved or not. At least I have the consolation that with this humble endeavour, the true face of the Pakistan army is exposed to some extent across the nations.
Malik: The last chapter of your book states that people must pledge to visit martyr’s families. Do people’s attitudes make you think that they need to be more sensitive or conscious of the brave hearts who attain martyrdom?
Kalia: Yes, any effort in this direction would give an emotional strength to families and the thought of not being alone gives a courage to continue.
Malik: You have argued in your book that the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav was taken to the International court, but not Saurabh Kalia and other Kargil soldiers who were brutally mutilated. Do you still hope things can change and that the government should and can reconsider?
Kalia: The case of Saurabh and his 5 soldiers is between the two nations. Taking the Government to the Hon’ble Apex Court only inferred that this case comes under the Executive and not the Judiciary of India.
If the Government deems fit, only then can the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), or the concerned authority take action. No person/ institution can talk to Pakistan directly.
Malik: Your pain is visible when you write that leaders are International rather than National. Can you please elaborate?
Kalia: Earlier governments in power showed appeasing policy. If you consider the past history, Pakistan since its inception has always indulged in every possible act to harm India through waging covert/overt wars, sending fake currency and drugs, inciting Indian Muslims and infiltration of terrorists etc.
Whereas we have been singing “AMAN KI ASHA”, Indo-Pak Friendship Forum and introducing Samjhauta Express Train or the Lahore Bus Service. Pak has always stabbed us in the back in all Agreements. Thankfully, the present government has placed Pakistan in its proper place.
Malik: What is your message for the countrymen today, especially the youth of our country?
Kalia: We are Indians only if INDIA is there. “Nation first” should be our motto. Criticising our country will serve no one. Let’s pledge to make our country better.
This noble spirit can exceptionally be found in our brave armed forces. Let’s be inspired by them.
“We may have lost one Saurabh but thousands of Saurabh have joined us. We have a huge family now.”
