The morning session on February 14, 2024, was conducted by the Social Science Department. It commenced with a soulful prayer song performed by Krishnendu, setting a serene tone for the day. Following the prayer, Prinsha led the attendees in reciting the Pledge.
February 14th holds dual significance, being celebrated globally as Valentine’s Day while also observed solemnly as ‘Black Day.’ This designation serves to commemorate the sacrifices made by martyrs and condemn the scourge of terrorism. Specifically, it marks the anniversary of the tragic terror attack in Pulwama, Kashmir, India, where 40 brave CRPF soldiers lost their lives. To provide more insight into this event, Devika offered a brief history of the Pulwama attack.
The Pulwama attack, which occurred on February 14, 2019, in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, was one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the region’s history. A convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security personnel was targeted by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle. The attacker rammed his vehicle into one of the buses carrying the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, resulting in a massive explosion.
The blast caused significant damage, leading to the tragic loss of 40 brave CRPF soldiers and injuring many others. The attack sent shockwaves across the nation and drew widespread condemnation from the international community. It was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based militant group, which claimed responsibility for the heinous act.
The Pulwama attack sparked outrage and triggered a series of events, including military tensions between India and Pakistan. India responded with airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistani-administered Kashmir. This escalation raised concerns globally and heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Pulwama attack remains etched in the collective memory of the nation as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and the sacrifices made by security personnel in safeguarding the nation’s integrity and security. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for steadfast resolve in combating terrorism and fostering peace and stability in the region.
The morning session, albeit brief, served as an informative platform to reflect on the significance of the day and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.