Namma Kudla's Kargil hero: The inspiring story of Praveen Shetty

The year 1999 marked a turning point in the life of a young Indian Army soldier from the coastal region of  Dakshina Kannada. As he returned home after a year of training and around six months of service, fate had other plans for him. A telegram arrived, summoning him back to duty in Srinagar without any explanation. Little did he know that this journey would lead him to the historic Kargil War.

Meet Praveen Shetty, the courageous individual hailing from Ullal Pilar Megina Mane, who played a pivotal role in the Kargil war. His inspiring story is one of bravery and determination.

Praveen’s heart pounded with a mix of uncertainty and determination as he headed toward the battleground. The Kargil War, a conflict that erupted unexpectedly in the cold heights of the Himalayas, demanded the utmost courage and resilience from soldiers like Praveen.

When Praveen reached Srinagar, he was met with the chilling realities of war. In Sonamarg, as he was making his way to the army base, he saw the lifeless body of a fellow soldier, Kamaraj. The heart-wrenching sight only intensified his anger and the desire for revenge against the enemy who had taken away a comrade. From that moment, Praveen’s fear of war transformed into an unyielding determination to fight with every ounce of strength he possessed.

Praveen belonged to the Heavy Motor Regiment, and his unit played a crucial role in the war. With bravery and determination, they cleared the way for the infantry in various regions, including Tololing and Sandonala. In these fierce battles, they defeated enemy soldiers encamped on hills and captured strategic positions. Their successes were marked by the martyrdom of some of their own, but it fueled their resolve to continue their fight for victory.

The harsh conditions in which the war was fought were unimaginable. The temperature in the Kargil region plummeted to as low as -45 degrees Celsius. For 16 days, Praveen and his comrades survived without proper meals, as their rations could not be consumed due to the dust from shells falling on their plates. Instead, they resorted to eating halwa made from Suji. The only source of drinking water was the one that trickled down from the rocks on the hillside.

Despite the odds stacked against them, Praveen and his fellow soldiers persevered. Their determination led to the successful defeat of enemy bunkers and the eventual hoisting of the Indian flag at Tiger Hills.

After the war, while Praveen along with fellow soldiers were on their way back, a landmine exploded in the Uri Sector Phalgan area. Tragically, five out of the seven people in our vehicle lost their lives, and Praveen, along with one other person, miraculously survived the blast. However, he suffered severe injuries to his shoulder, ear, and nose. Fortunately, he received prompt medical treatment at a hospital in Baramulla, which eventually led to his recovery.

Reflecting on his time in the army, Praveen reveals that the war left an indelible mark on him. He retired in 2013 after nearly 16 years of dedicated service to the nation. A proud recipient of Operation Vijay’s ‘Star Medal,’ Praveen now works in the security department of Canara Bank. Now he resides in Mangaluru with his wife and three children.

Praveen’s story is a testament to the unyielding spirit and bravery of Indian soldiers who faced extreme challenges with valor. The Kargil War remains an unforgettable chapter in history, showcasing the unwavering determination of warriors like Praveen, who fought fiercely amidst the harshest conditions, ensuring that the tricolor of victory was raised high in the mountains.