Patriotic fervor takes over India on 25th anniversary of Kargil War

Twenty-five years after Indian bravehearts scripted a memorable victory for the country post winning decisive battles in icy heights of Kargil, the Indian Army is honoring the valor, indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifices made by them in service of the nation with a solemn celebration in Drass.

The silver jubilee celebrations of the Kargil Vijay Diwas will culminate in Drass on July 26 amid a patriotic fervor.

The two-day event of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti Varsh' began on July 25 in Drass.

This significant milestone honors the valor and sacrifice made by the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War.

Over the past one year, numerous events have been held across India to mark the landmark occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 to pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

At Dras, the July 25th events were graced by a large number of senior serving officers, gallantry awardees, veterans, and next of kin of the bravehearts who laid down their lives during the Kargil War.

The key highlights of the celebrations included the battle reminiscence at Lamochen View Point, 'Vijay Bhoj', and 'Shaurya Sandhya', officials said.

At Lamochen View Point in Drass, a special event was held to remember the bravehearts of the Kargil War. The event commenced with a microlight aircraft demonstration followed by an audio-visual narration of the battles, vividly recreating the scenes of each confrontation against the backdrop of the very mountains where these fierce battles were fought, a senior official said.

The narrations were followed by reminiscences from war heroes themselves, bringing to life the bravery, indomitable spirit, and everlasting zeal of Indian soldiers.

This event was attended by war heroes, and wives and mothers of fallen soldiers who laid down their lives during the war.

Gen VP Malik (retd) was the chief guest for the event, accompanied by other Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra awardees.

The 'Gauravmayi Sanskriti' function was held to honor the braves, their families, and other esteemed guests. "The event showcased the cultural diversity of not only Ladakh but entire India. It was a reflection of the vibrant culture, national spirit and patriotism of all Indians, providing a poignant reminder of the unity and resilience that define our nation," the Army said.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi was present along with Sunita Dwivedi, president of the Army Wives Welfare Association. They interacted with the gallantry awardees, bravehearts, and families of those who made the supreme sacrifice during the war. They also interacted with students of Ladakh and NCC cadets.

The Army said it expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all participants and the people of India for their unwavering support and patriotism.

The concluding events at Drass not only "honors the memory of our brave soldiers" but also “reaffirm our collective commitment to the nation's security and sovereignty,” it said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on July 26 paid rich tributes to the armed forces personnel who fought valiantly in extremely harsh conditions to defend the nation's territory.

On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of "Operation Vijay", declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh.

"Today, on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 war," Singh said in a post on X.

"Their unwavering commitment, valour and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe and secure. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and our coming generations," he said.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and all ranks of the armed forces also recalled the supreme sacrifice of the “bravehearts.”

"We draw inspiration from the heroes of Kargil, and we will continue to honor their legacy by defending our nation with courage, honor, and sacrifice," the headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff said.

More than 500 soldiers made supreme sacrifice in the conflict.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also paid tributes to the brave soldiers who defended the nation's territory during the conflict.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, salute the valour and dedication of our brave soldiers. The legacy of their courage and patriotism acts as a guiding light for all Indians," he said.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu also paid her respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian armed forces.

"Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion for a grateful nation to pay tribute to the ‍courage and extraordinary valor of our armed forces," Murmu said in a post in Hindi on X.

"I pay tribute to each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting Mother India on the peaks of Kargil in 1999 and bow in reverence to their sacred memory. I am sure that all countrymen will draw inspiration from their sacrifice and valor. Jai Hind Jai Bharat!" she said.

(PTI)