Bhubaneswar: The bust of Kargil war hero Major Padmapani Acharya was recently unveiled by his wife Charulata Acharya on the premises of Padmapani Vihar Society in Odisha capital.
The event was attended by senior defence and civil officials and their families. Speaking on the occasion, Brig (Dr) L C Patnaik, president of the Society and former Chairman, OPSC highlighted sacrifices of the Armed Forces in protecting sovereignty of the country since independence.
He also praised the commitment and sacrifices of families and children of the armed forces personnel who remain separated for years when their spouses and parents are posted in mountains and high altitude border areas.
Acharya, who stays in Hyderabad, conveyed her deepest appreciation for the president and other members of the Society for having arranged the function in honour of her late husband.
She also mentioned that she was only married for three years, when her husband attained martyrdom. Ever since, she has never felt lonely as the strong bondage of the Army and her husband’s parent unit, 2 Rajputana Rifles have been as always beside her. She has a daughter, studying at Singapore.
This year, the Nation is celebrating 25 years of Indian victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war. During this war, Major Padmapani Acharya from Odisha displayed exceptional courage of the highest order to capture Tololing, one of the toughest enemy positions in Kargil.
For this gallant action, he was conferred with the country’s second highest gallantry award, the Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous). To commemorate his supreme sacrifice the event was organised in Major Acharya’s honour.
