For a war, the Kargil chapter of the Indo-Pakistan relations began very innocuously. Few shepherds reported seeing a few strange-looking men deep in the mountainous ranges of the Batalik-Drass sector in Kashmir in May, 1999, and a five-member military team headed by Lt. Saurav Kalia was deputed to investigate the matter. It was only when the team vanished without a trace that matters came to head. India and Pakistan were at war.

Stories of Indian infantrymen reclaiming high-altitude peaks and their bravery in face of life-threatening danger, filled newspapers and dominated TV screens, fuelling jingoistic passion.

However, it were the sadder moments that brought together a nation known for its diversity. When men who had shown courage returned grievously wounded, when air force officer Nachiketa was held PoW by Pakistan, when bodies of Lt Kalia and his men - each inhumaly tortured in clear violation of the UN code - were returned by Pakistan after much diplomatic harangue, each Indian moved around with a heavy heart.

The 50-day war, which ended on June 26, 1999, did not end too soon for Indians, especially those who had lost their most valuable treasure in the meaningless war. About 400 lives were lost and 700 injured.

The Times of India Relief Fund was set up on June 16, 1999. As a salute to their conviction, it was decided to provide financial succour to families of the Kargil martyrs.

To ensure a fair distribution of funds among the families of the martyrs, it was decided to place term deposits of Rs 1.14 lacs each with the State Bank of India in the name of 245 families. This would enable the families an income of Rs 1,000 per month and, on expiry of the period of deposit, their families would receive the principal amount.

To deal with matters of banking coordination and distribution of funds, the Times Group set up a special team whose main task would be to ensure that even families in remote parts of the country benefited from the fund. In fact, there have been instances where members of the Times team travelled to far-flung villages to ensure that assistance reached the concerned beneficiary. There are also plans to assist educational efforts in areas such as Pauri Garhwal district in Uttar Pradesh from where a large number of martyrs mentioned in the first list, hail. Educational assistance would come in the form of schools or by helping existing schools get more facilities.