Interview: Paramveer Chakra winner Yogendra Singh Yadav is happy to name islands of Andaman and Nicobar after warriors

The 21 islands of Andaman and Nicobar have been named after all the 21 military warriors who have so far been awarded the highest military honor ‘Param Vir Chakra’. Although most of the Veergati have been received. Only three warriors are alive, one of them is Kargil Hero Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, who fired 17 bullets and hit sixes. On the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, Home Minister Amit Shah invited Yogendra Singh Yadav to a special function organized in Port Blair and named an island after him. Dr. Ramesh Thakur wanted to know from his own words how Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav felt this proud moment. Here are the highlights of this conversation-

Question: You are the hero of Kargil, now another chapter has been added to you?

Answer- It is a great honor for us. Certainly, that island named after me will itself give me the feeling of bravery, courage and bravery while I am alive. What else does a soldier need, this is what is needed. For a soldier, his respect and protection of mother earth is always paramount. A soldier has two mothers, the first one who gives birth and the second one is the earth on which one lives. Recently my birth mother has passed away, but still I do not consider myself an orphan because one mother is with me and that is the earth. We are indebted to both. Give them anything, even then they cannot repay the loan.

Question: How did the information about an island being named after you reach you?

Answer- I was informed by the army. The message was received in Nov-2022. The program was earlier proposed in December but was pushed ahead due to some reasons. The government organized this program on the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose, which is really commendable. It was from here that Bose lit the fire of independence and raised the flag of victory. By doing these programs on special occasions, their beauty increases further.

Question: What is the purpose of giving a real message from this?

Answer- These works are not done with motive, but with true feelings. The names tattooed on these islands will give a message to inspire patriotism to our youth and their memories will work to keep the entire country united. The feeling of patriotism will awaken in every soldier of the country who is ready to protect Mother India. This step of the government is undoubtedly a very commendable step taken in honor of the Indian soldiers. Also naming the islands is also a true tribute to the brave sons who made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

Question: Will the bravery of Param Vir Chakra winners be described through these islands?

Answer- Absolutely. The history of the painful journey of the Paramveer Chakra winners, their indomitable skills, courageous acts of bravery and fulfilling the bond of protecting the country in critical and adverse circumstances will be told. The youth will get to know about these warriors, with what spirit they protected the country’s pride, fame and glory. A museum will also be built there and a light and sound show will also be set up in which everyone will be introduced to their past memories. How the revolutionaries tolerated the torture given by the enemies in the war. People will be able to come here to see the untold stories of how they defeated their enemies even while dying.

Question: How did you get ‘Paramveer Chakra Samman’?

Answer- The story is a bit filmy and full of suspense. After I was seriously injured in the Kargil War, I was brought to the Army Hospital in Delhi. The treatment went on for about 16 months, then it was announced to give Paramveer Chakra for the Kargil war, there was another soldier named Yogendra Singh Yadav in my own battalion who had attained Veergati. His photo was shown in the media. Someone told me in the hospital that the government has announced to give Paramveer Chakra to your friend. I was overjoyed, but strange movements began to occur. Many people from the army came to me, asked the name of father, mother, started asking the address of the house and village. This investigation went through many rounds very fast in an hour, only then after an hour I was told to wear nice clothes and sit down, Army Chief is coming, will meet you. After about half an hour, the army chief came, he shook hands with me, sat beside me and said congratulations Yogendra. Till then I could not understand, I turned around and asked in fear Sir, what are you congratulating, pointing to the TV installed in the room, he said, for whom this TV is installed, don’t see, then he told that you have to be awarded Paramveer Chakra. The announcement has been made. There was a disturbance due to some mistake. Otherwise, the announcement was made in my name earlier also.

Question: The story of your bravery in Kargil is amazing, tell us in detail?

Answer- Remembering those moments gives goosebumps even today. I along with 21 of my soldiers were climbing the snow-covered 15-20 thousand feet skyscraper Tiger Hill in minus-30 degree temperature, then the enemies ambushed from the other side started firing rapidly, in just a few seconds. 14 of my comrades were martyred, along with the rest of the comrades I climbed the high hill and destroyed the Pakistani bunkers. By then the rest of my comrades had also attained Veergati. About 17 bullets had entered my chest, arms and legs and other parts, thinking I was dead, the Pakistani army started leaving. The sound of their feet woke me up a little bit and I threw the grenade lying nearby on them, they all got piled up, then I reached my comrades by flowing in the nearby drain.

Question: You are the heritage of the country, the central government should beautify people like you on posts like Rajya Sabha or Governor?

Answer- A soldier never asks for anything for himself. Such decisions rest with the governments. We are always ready to dedicate our whole life to the country. If the government gives me any responsibility or considers me worthy, then I will be lucky.

Like Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav (PVC) told Dr. Ramesh Thakur.