A solemn ceremony at SCD Government College in Ludhiana on Friday brought together teachers and students to honor the supreme sacrifice of two of its most valiant alumni. The gathering paid rich tributes to Major Shivdev Singh Sidhu and Captain Vijay Sehgal, who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay in December 1961 for the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule.
Remembering the Heroes of Operation Vijay
The event marked the 64th anniversary of Goa's liberation, which ended 451 years of colonial presence in India. College Principal Gursharanjit Sandhu, along with members of the active alumni association, laid floral wreaths. They shared detailed historical accounts of the duo's bravery, ensuring their legacy is passed on to the new generation.
Though they studied at the college a decade apart—Major Sidhu in the early 1940s and Captain Sehgal in the 1950s—their paths converged heroically on the front lines in 1961. Historical records, shared by Alumni Organising Secretary Brij Bhushan Goyal, revealed that Major Sidhu served as the squadron commander for Captain Sehgal during the critical military action.
The Final Mission and a Tragic Deceit
The officers were leading a courageous charge to rescue Indian hostages held by Portuguese forces. In a tragic turn of events, even after a surrender had been announced, a group of Portuguese soldiers opened fire through "deceit," fatally wounding both brave hearts.
Major Sidhu, remembered by his comrades as the "Sadhu Officer" for his saintly temperament, was also a standout athlete during his college years. He was selected for the army directly from the SCD college grounds, a fact that filled the current students with immense pride.
A Fading Memory and a Pledge for the Future
Despite their local roots, family members expressed sadness that public memory of these heroes has faded outside the college walls. Dr. G.S. Grewal, Major Sidhu's nephew, informed the gathering that while a spacious memorial hall exists in Goa at the site of their sacrifice, Ludhiana city lacks a similar prominent tribute.
"Unfortunately, the city has largely forgotten them, though the college remembers them invariably," Dr. Grewal stated, highlighting a gap in civic recognition.
In a significant and heartfelt gesture, both Brij Bhushan Goyal and Dr. G.S. Grewal pledged to provide educational financial assistance to any current SCD student who has lost a parent in military service. This move aims to support the next generation of defense families.
The ceremony concluded with a poignant message from Lt. Gen. G S Sahota, Major Sidhu's son-in-law, who expressed deep gratitude to the alma mater for keeping the memory of the 1961 martyrs alive. The event served as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of sacrifice embedded in the institution's history.
