Bhubaneswar, July 26 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1753530424.webp
As the nation observes Kargil Vijay Diwas today, marking the victory of Indian forces over Pakistani intruders in 1999, Odisha remembers with pride and sorrow its first Kargil martyr, Shaheed Gopinath Maharana, who laid down his life at the tender age of 23.
Born in Janardanpur village under Nischintakoili block in Cuttack district, Gopinath Maharana joined the Indian Army at just 18 years of age. Serving as a driver in the 528 ASP Battalion, he was posted in the Kargil sector during the peak of the conflict.
On July 19, 1999, while transporting soldiers to the battlefront, his vehicle came under heavy enemy fire. Despite susta...