Cpt. Saurabh Kalia (The Brave One)

Born in Palampur in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Captain Saurabh Kalia was brilliant in academics and effortlessly secured scholarships throughout his schooling years.

After completing his graduation in May 1997, Saurabh was selected in the IMA, Dehradun in August 1997, through the CDS and was commissioned on December 12, 1998.

He and his subordinates gave up their lives for the nation as the enemy (Pakistani Army) indulged in the most heinous act of burning their bodies with cigarettes, piercing ear-drums with hot rods, removing eyes, chopping off various limbs and organs of these soldiers besides inflicting all sorts of physical and mental tortures before shooting them down.

He was the first officer to detect and inform Pak intrusion. Pakistan captured him and his patrol party of 5 brave men alive on 15th May, 99 from our side of LOC. They were in their captivity for 3 weeks and subjected to unprecedented brutal torture as evident from their bodies handed over by Pakistan Army on 9th June, 99.They indulged in dastardly acts of burning bodies with cigarettes, piercing ears with hot rods, removing eyes before puncturing them, breaking most of the bones and teeth, chopping off various limbs and private organs of these soldiers besides inflicting unimaginable physical and mental tortures. They were shot dead ultimately. (A detailed postmortem report is with the Indian Army) This continued for about 22 days. Pakistan dared to humiliate India this way flouting all international norms. To what an extreme humanity can be degraded, Pakistan provided an example. However,the Indian soldiers did not break while undergoing all this unlimited barbarism. This speaks volumes of their patriotism, grit, determination, tenacity and valour and the whole nation should be proud of them.

"JAB TAK SURAJ CHAND RAHEGA..SAURABH TERA NAAM RAHEGA!!"

Please view petition below to pay respect to this brave son of soil.
http://www.petitiononline.com/LtKalia/petition.html

Courtesy: http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=12552144