JNU VC Jagadesh Kumar wants tank on campus to remind students of 'Indian Army's valour'

Jawaharlal University Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Prasad said that he wants to put a tank on display in the university campus so it can remind the sacrifice and great Valour of Indian Army and defence forces.

Kumar said, "If we have a de-commissioned tank in JNU, it is only to show our strong & close association with defence institutes of the country."

While addressing a gathering during 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'on Sunday, he requested to Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh in procuring a tank to put in the university campus.

Kumar dubbed the event as “historic”, saying it is the important day to recall the sacrifices made by India Army personnel for the nation.

It will also serve as a reminder of great sacrifices made by the defence forces for safety of the country: Jagdish Kumar, VC, JNU pic.twitter.com/ij0Kc5JpJL

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017

Last year, the JNU campus was at the centre of a controversy for alleged anti-India slogans but filled with a patriotic spirit as the varsity observed 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to mark the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the 1999 war.

Would like to request VK Singh ji to help us procure an Army tank so that we can put it on display in the university: Jagdish Kumar, VC, JNU pic.twitter.com/UkxZjSytqG

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017

It started with the JNU faculty and students along with the kin of Kargil martyrs and members of Veterans India, a body of ex-servicemen, holding a march with a 2,200-feet-long tricolour and paying tributes at the Wall of Heroes – located in JNU's convention centre where 21 portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees are exhibited.

The programme also witnessed a performance by the army band. At the event, women family members of soldiers who died fighting in the Kargil war were felicitated.

Presence of a Army tank will constantly remind students of great sacrifice & valour of Indian Army & defence forces: Jagdish Kumar, VC JNU pic.twitter.com/AZVY1XwTHc

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017

Lauding the initiative taken by the university, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, said JNU created history today by organising 'Tiranga March', setting up Wall of Heroes and by raising slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram".

He further said "In no other country, is the Army being questioned. As India is a democracy, some powers dare to show India in poor light. May God give sch people better sense".

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh was also present at the event.

Also Read: Petroleum Minister praises JNU for organizing Tiranga March on the 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas

"The outside forces never succeeded with their powers. They became successful only when an insider helped them out. The Indian veterans have been trying to instill the spirit of unity in every Indian heart," the former Army chief said.

He added that Indian soldiers work with the feeling that the nation is above all and there is no division within the Army on the grounds of religion, caste and community.