Battlefield Symposium Held in Baramulla to Commemorate Hajipir Victory – Alfaaz – The Words

Aadil Akbar

Baramulla: To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, a Battlefield Symposium titled “Hajipir – Valour Beyond the Pass” was held at Thimayya Hall, Baramulla, on August 7, 2025. The event was organised by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), bringing together war veterans, serving officers, defence experts, strategic analysts, and academics.

The symposium focused on reflecting upon and drawing lessons from the historic capture of the Hajipir Bulge—one of the most significant military achievements in India’s history.

The event commenced with the inaugural address by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Dagger Division, who paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the troops involved. “The Battle of Hajipir stands as a testament to the grit, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of our soldiers. Their legacy continues to inspire today’s generation,” he stated.

Delivering the keynote address, the Corps Commander of Chinar Corps emphasized the enduring relevance of the Hajipir operation. He highlighted the bravery and resilience of Indian troops under adverse conditions, noting that the tactical and strategic lessons from the battle continue to apply in today’s complex, multi-domain warfare environment.

The symposium featured presentations by decorated veterans, panel discussions on battlefield leadership and operational planning, as well as exhibits of rare archival footage, photographs, and personal memorabilia. Speakers recounted powerful stories of improvisation under fire, adverse weather conditions, and the triumphant culmination of the operation.

A special session was dedicated to personal recollections from veterans who participated in the battle—many of whom revisited the site or shared their experiences publicly after decades. These emotional narratives highlighted themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and patriotism, leaving a profound impact on the younger generation in attendance.

In his concluding remarks, Maj Gen P.K. Goswami of the USI reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to preserving the legacy of India’s brave hearts and lauded the Chinar Corps for organising a poignant and well-curated event.