Naga Pride: The Inspiring Life and Sacrifice of Captain Kenguruse
This year Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament - which honours war hero's passion for sports and his outstanding service will be conducted from Nov 2 to 12, 2024 at Kohima.
An iconic figure in Indian military history, Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse is known for his unwavering bravery, self-less dedication, and ultimate sacrifice.
The valiant actions of the native of Nagaland (from Angami hills) during the 1999 Kargil Conflict not only honours his family and community but also inspired the entire country.
This young Naga boy's rise from a remote Nagaland village to the pinnacles of combat fame is a story of undying bravery, patriotism, and devotion to the homeland.
Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was born on July 15, 1974, in Nerhema village, which is in Nagaland's Kohima district. He was born into a humble, industrious family steeped in Naga customs and beliefs.
Kenguruse grew up in a tight-knit community and was taught the value of diligence, integrity, and loyalty from a young age. His sense of loyalty to his country was surely affected by his upbringing in an area famed for its strong warriors.
He attended Saint Xaviers School in Jalukie for his early education before proceeding to Kohima Science College to pursue his further education. Kenguruse, who was well-known for his keen mind, self-control, and leadership abilities, was an exceptional student and athlete, especially in football.
His passion to serve the nation became clear throughout his undergraduate years, and he made the choice to serve in the Indian Army.
Kenguruse received the respect and admiration of his peers and students during his brief tenure as a teacher at a government school prior to pursuing his aspiration of becoming an officer. But he always felt that serving in uniform was his destiny, and he soon entered in the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun to pursue his dream of becoming an Army officer.
Commissioned in the Army Services Corps in 1998, Capt Kenguruse served in the 2nd Battalion Rajputana Rifles' during his first attachment, where he immediately gained acclaim for his leadership, discipline, calmness and dedication.
He oversaw one of India's most difficult military operations during the Kargil War in 1999, demonstrating his valour and determination by reclaiming vital heights from Pakistani forces in the Kargil.
Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was instrumental in the raid that took the heavily entrenched Khalubar Ridge in Dras on June 28, 1999.
In order to attack enemy bunkers, he had to scale a nearly vertical cliff, which required tremendous physical and mental fortitude.
Despite enemy fire wounding some of his troops, Captain Kenguruse led his platoon up a highly guarded cliff under the cover of darkness. He boldly climbed the cliff barefoot to improve his grip. When he arrived at the enemy bunkers, he used a rocket launcher to demolish the first one and then rushed at the second.
He led his men in spite of his wounds, making sure the mission was successful. The battalion was able to recapture the position, but Capt Kenguruse made the supreme sacrifice. The victory is a tribute to his unselfish act of sacrifice for the country and his bravery in the face of adversity.
For his outstanding leadership, and dedication to duty in the face of the enemy, Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra(MVC) posthumously.
Many young Indians have found inspiration in the tale of Captain Kenguruse, especially in his native state of Nagaland, where he is hailed as a hero. His legacy has been preserved through a number of tributes, including as the Assam Rifles' yearly "Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament," which honours his passion for sports and his outstanding service. This year the 8th edition of the Football Tournament will be conducted from 02 - 12 November 24.
The Assam Rifles in joint venture with Axis Bank and National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) established a Cocahing Centre in his memory in Chieswema, Nagaland, which provides year-long residential coaching and mentoring facility for selected students from economically weaker and under-privileged sections from Nagaland to prepare for competitive examinations like NEET and JEE.
Numerous events such as marathon runs, awareness programs and memorial sports competitions are conducted annually to commemorate the brave warrior’s gallant actions.
All ages can relate to his story, and his sacrifice and life are a tribute to the valour and might of the Indian Army.
For the people of Nagaland, Captain Kenguruse is not just a military hero but also a symbol of the Naga people's unyielding spirit.
The tale of Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse's journey from the tranquil highlands of Nagaland to the Kargil battlefield is one of incredible bravery, dedication, and selflessness.
His legacy will truly continue to motivate future generations to serve the country with the same bravery, commitment, and selflessness that characterized him.
Any army or Assam Rifles official in Nagaland may surprise you with his/her typical one liner:
"We recognize Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, as a true son of India who sacrificed all for the pride and safety of his homeland."
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