Kargil Vijay Diwas: How These Widows Of Martyrs Overcome Setbacks

The Kargil War lasted for two months and three weeks and took the lives of many brave Indian soldiers. India’s victory in the armed conflict against Pakistan is celebrated annually on Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26. Homage is paid to the soldiers who fought in the war and gave their lives to serve the nation.

The Kargil War resulted in the loss of 527 soldiers from the Indian Army. The conflict concluded on July 26, 1999, when the Pakistan army was forced to retreat from their occupied positions, signifying India's triumph. Since then, this day is observed as Kargil War Diwas to honour and remember the supreme sacrifice made by the soldiers during the war

24 years following the end of the conflict, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs in the Kargil War. The Kargil War widows overcame their emotional trauma following the death of their husbands and did not let stereotypes about widowhood get in their way.

These Kargil War widows pushed on following the tragic death of their husbands and ensured that they and their families were supported.

Kargil War Widows

Divya Ramchander

Divya Ramchander got married to Lance Naik MY Ramchander on May 2, 1999. Two months later on July 7, he lost his life in the Kargil War. He had joined the army because he was inspired by the army men he saw in the cantonment area in Secunderabad, Hyderabad. The two grew up together and lived in the same colony.

MY Ramchander was a part of the Madras Regiment and came home on leave for his wedding. He left for the battlefield on June 22 and wrote a reassuring letter to his wife. The letter he sent to Divya reached on July 7, which is the same day Ramchander passed away.

The next morning, Divya Ramchander received the news about the death of her husband. Now, Divya Ramchander operates a courier unit. When speaking about the death of soldiers, Divya Ramchander said, “Why should there be war? Why should soldiers die? When a soldier dies, his children lose their father; his parents, their son; his siblings, their brother and his wife, her husband. I can imagine their suffering”.

Usha Ghadge

Subedar Krishant Narayan Ghadge lost his life on June 18, 1999, and was survived by his wife Usha and their five daughters. In spite of setbacks, Usha continued to raise her daughters and ensured they could pursue higher education. Usha moved to a city for the sake of her daughters’ education without the support of her in-laws.

Due to her determination, Usha Ghadge’s five daughters were able to complete their masters’ degrees. Her eldest daughter Ashwini is a lawyer, her daughter Vaishali completed the MBA and worked as a flight attendant, Shobha has also completed her MBA, Snehal has an MSC in Botany and Shital has an M Com.

Rajitha Kumar

Rajitha Kumar is the wife of the late Lance Naik Saji Kumar, his father and elder brother were also in the army. The couple got married on April 11, 1999. Rajitha said, “Though his death is an irrevocable loss for us, we understand that he sacrificed his life for the nation.” Kumar passed away when Rajitha was eight months pregnant and she gave birth to their son 20 days later.

Within one year, Rajitha went from being a newlywed wife to being a widow, to being a single mother. She managed to bring up her son who pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Rajitha said, “Despite the loss, the fact that he died for the nation gives us a sense of pride”.

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