Dipanjan Mondal
New Delhi: On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the nation came together to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the summer of 1999 during Operation Vijay. Ceremonies, tributes and commemorative events took place across the country, showing the nation's gratitude to these heroes.
At the National War Memorial in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the nation in paying respects. He laid a wreath at the memorial and honored the fallen soldiers, describing it as a “living symbol of sacrifice.” In the visitors’ book, he wrote that the victory in Kargil would be a lasting example of bravery for future generations.
In a message on social media platform X, Singh remembered the extraordinary courage of Indian soldiers who fought in tough conditions. He expressed his heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who demonstrated grit and determination in defending the nation. He wrote, “Their supreme sacrifice during the Kargil war is a reminder of the unwavering spirit of our Armed Forces. India will always be grateful for their service.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas."This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride", PM Modi stated.
In Dras, a special “Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra” was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The march, which covered 1.5 kilometers, started at Himabass Public High School and ended at Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. Over 1,000 people took part, including active and retired Armed Forces personnel, youth volunteers, families of martyrs, and community members.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth led the padyatra. Later, the two ministers and 100 youth volunteers visited the Kargil War Memorial to pay their respects. Seth shared on X, in Hindi, that the stories of these Bravehearts would continue to inspire future generations to give everything for the nation.
Top military leaders also paid tribute. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani laid floral tributes at the National War Memorial.
General Chauhan reminded the country of the painful lessons of betrayal and the legacy of bravery. He said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds every Indian of the courage, tenacity, and patriotism of our soldiers. Our adversaries will keep testing our resolve, but the legacy of Kargil shows us that unity, readiness, and courage—proven again by the success of Operation Sindoor—will always win against enemy deceit and aggression.”
Admiral Tripathi praised Kargil's legacy as a clear example of “Service Before Self.” Air Chief Marshal Singh called the War Memorial a sacred space that honors the sacrifices of India’s soldiers. General Dwivedi affirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and honor of the nation, stating that Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolizes the Army’s lasting resolve. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh noted that the courage of Kargil’s heroes will always live in the hearts of the people.
In every message, speech, and wreath laid, one feeling was clear: a deep respect for those who gave their lives for the tricolor. As India remembered its heroes, Kargil Vijay Diwas served as a strong reminder that the spirit of service, sacrifice, and patriotism continues to be part of the nation's identity.
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