NEW DELHI: The Indian Army marked the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn pride and patriotic fervour at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, a town and hill station in Kargil district of the union territory of Ladakh.
Over two days, the nation remembered the valour and supreme sacrifice of the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War.
Dignitaries present included Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour & Employment and Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports; Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence; Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh; and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
The events witnessed the participation of military veterans, Veer Naris, Next of Kin, students, and citizens, all united in collective remembrance.
Battle Remembrance and ‘Shaurya Sandhya’
Began with a Battle Remembrance Ceremony at the Lamochen Viewpoint, overlooking the peaks where the Kargil conflict was fought. Veterans and soldiers shared moving accounts of the 1999 battles, amplified through a stirring audio-visual presentation.
Dr Mandaviya and MoS Defence Sanjay Seth later felicitated the families of the martyrs, honouring their courage and sacrifice. A Vijay Bhoj community meal followed, symbolising unity and shared remembrance. The day also featured cultural performances by NCC cadets, Army school students, and soldiers, as well as a cutting-edge drone demonstration, showcasing swarm and logistics drones tailored for high-altitude operations.
As dusk fell, the solemn ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ programme unfolded at the War Memorial. The event began with ‘Gaurav Gatha’, a musical tribute by the Army Band, followed by interfaith prayers by five religious teachers.
In a deeply emotional moment, 545 lamps were lit, each representing a fallen soldier. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command, honoured the families of nine Bravehearts, with over 400 dignitaries in attendance.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
The central ceremony began with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the War Memorial. Top leaders paid homage to the martyrs, as the haunting notes of the “Last Post” echoed across the valley.
In his keynote address, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and emphasised India’s firm but peaceful posture in dealing with external threats.
He cited the Army’s precise, restraint-driven strikes during recent Operation Sindoor and highlighted the force’s transformation through ‘Rudra’ brigades, ‘Bhairav’ commandos, ‘Shaktibaan’ regiments, and drone-equipped ‘Divyastra’ battalions.
He also reiterated the Army’s broader contribution to nation-building—strengthening border infrastructure, tourism, economy, and veteran welfare, all in service of Viksit Bharat@2047. Urging youth to serve the nation with honesty and dedication, he pledged the Army’s unwavering commitment to India’s unity and sovereignty.
Legacy Projects Inaugurated
General Dwivedi inaugurated three legacy initiatives:
- Indus Viewpoint in Batalik, offering a strategic view of the Indus River entering PoK, promoting Battle Area Tourism.
- e-Shradhanjali Portal for citizens to pay virtual tributes to Kargil martyrs.
- QR-Based Audio Gateway, a tech-enabled platform providing historical context at the War Memorial.
COAS also conferred Commendation Cards to exemplary personnel and engaged with soldiers, martyrs’ families, and Veer Naris, reinforcing the Army’s enduring bond with its veterans.
A large-scale Outreach Drive was conducted, with 37 Army teams visiting the Next of Kin of all 545 martyrs across 27 states, two Union Territories, and Nepal.
The Army also launched a digital #OnThisDay campaign, recreating major battles of the Kargil War to educate and inspire the youth. A range of cultural and adventure activities were held across Dras, Kargil, and Batalik, celebrating the spirit of resilience.
Capability Display: Tech-Driven Future
Under the theme “Tech Absorption: Imbibe, Innovate, Integrate,” the Indian Army showcased its evolving capabilities in mobility, surveillance, firepower, and high-altitude warfare. From drone technologies to AI-integrated systems, the exhibition reaffirmed the Army’s trajectory toward a modern, self-reliant force.
As the sun set behind the rugged mountains of Dras, the Kargil War Memorial stood aglow in the colours of the national flag—a beacon of sacrifice, resilience, and national pride.
“A Grateful Nation Carves Its Heroes in Memory, Not Just in Stone.”
