‘We Are Indians Only If India Exists’: Capt. Saurabh Kalia’s Father
The Legacy of Captain Saurabh Kalia, Kargil’s First War Hero (Book Cover)
A new book, The Legacy of Captain Saurabh Kalia, Kargil’s First War Hero, marks 26 years since the Kargil conflict and what would have been Capt. Saurabh Kalia’s 49th birthday. The book, penned by his father Dr. N.K. Kalia, documents the extraordinary life of the young officer whose mutilated body was returned by Pakistan after 22 days of brutal torture. Through this work, Dr. Kalia continues his decades-long fight for justice.
In an email interview with Bhawna Malik, Dr. Kalia speaks about memory, justice and the duty he believes every Indian owes to the nation’s fallen soldiers.
“We lost one Saurabh, but thousands joined us”
Malik: How do you remember Capt. Saurabh Kalia today as India completes 78 years of Independence?
Kalia: The physical loss remains, but we have never felt alone. Calls, messages and visits from people across India and even abroad have comforted us. Strangers come to celebrate Saurabh’s life. I am humbled by this love, respect and affection.
We lost one Saurabh, but thousands of Saurabhs have joined us. Our family has grown immensely, and we are indebted to everyone. I can safely say no soldier has been written about or remembered as much as Saurabh in post-Independence India. We are proud of our Army for standing by us.
Why the book now?
Malik: What made you write this book after 26 years?
Kalia: Many authors and publishers approached us, but I wasn’t convinced. In 2023, a family friend insisted we go ahead. That pushed me to finally tell this story.
“India’s posture has changed — no more appeasement”
Malik: Between Kargil and Pahalgam 2025, what has changed?
Kalia: A lot. With the change in government, India’s stance at home and abroad has become more assertive. Our armed forces now have the equipment they were earlier denied. There is no more stone-pelting, no more interference from hypocritical human-rights activists.
Major decisions — the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan, post-Uri and post-Balakot strikes, Operation Sindoor — reflect this change.
The battle for justice continues
Malik: What keeps you fighting for justice even after all these years?
Kalia: This fight is not just for Saurabh and his five soldiers. It is for the dignity of every Indian soldier. Under the Geneva Convention, no soldier can be tortured—but the barbarity inflicted by the Pakistan Army is a national shame.
Fifty-four Indian POWs from the 1971 war are still in Pakistan. Pakistan must remember how its 93,000 soldiers were treated humanely then.
What was done to Saurabh and his men is unacceptable for any parent or nation. My fight will continue, even if the outcome remains uncertain. At least this book exposes the true face of the Pakistan Army to the world.
“Visiting martyrs’ families gives them strength”
Malik: You urge readers to visit martyrs’ families. Why?
Kalia: Such gestures give emotional strength. Knowing they are not alone gives families courage to carry on.
On Kulbhushan Jadhav and why the Kalia case wasn’t taken to the ICJ
Malik: You argue that Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case went to the ICJ but not this one. Should the government reconsider?
Kalia: Saurabh’s case is between two nations. The Supreme Court said it falls under the Executive, not the Judiciary. Only the Government of India — through the MEA — can act. No individual or institution can engage Pakistan directly.
“Leaders became international, not national”
Malik: You write that leaders have been “international rather than national.” What do you mean?
Kalia: Earlier governments showed apathy in crises — the Bhopal tragedy, Sikh genocide, 26/11. Their policies were about appeasement.
Pakistan has harmed India since its inception — wars, fake currency, drugs, inciting separatism, terror infiltration. Yet we kept singing peace songs: Aman ki Asha, Samjhauta Express, Lahore Bus.
Thankfully, today’s government has placed Pakistan where it belongs.
“We are Indians only if India is there”
Malik: What is your message for the youth?
Kalia: We are Indians only if India exists. Nation first must be our motto. Criticising India helps no one.
Let us pledge to make our country better. This spirit thrives in our armed forces — let them inspire us.
(Note: This interview has been arranged in collaboration with Junta Unmuted, a new quarterly magazine)
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