As the nation gears up to celebrate the Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav on July 26, 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Northern Command has been honouring the heroic victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War. A series of activities have taken place over the past year, engaging the people of Jammu and Kashmir, school children, civil dignitaries, and ex-servicemen, to remember and thank the brave hearts who made supreme sacrifices for the country.
One of the highlights of these celebrations has been a range of environment-friendly initiatives such as tree plantation drives. Motivational lectures, quizzes, and painting competitions for school children were also organized, aiming to inspire the younger generation and honour the veer naris (war widows) and the next of kin (NOKs) of the brave soldiers.
Nationwide motorcycle and car rallies have showcased national unity and solidarity. These rallies, supported by corporate partners like Mahindra & Mahindra, Harley Davidson, and TVS Motors, started from various parts of the country, including Dinjan and Kibithu in the east, Kochi and Dhanushkodi in the south, and Tanot and Dwarka in the west. The Mahindra car rally converged at the National War Memorial in Delhi before proceeding to the Kargil War Memorial in Leh, symbolizing the nation’s unwavering support for its soldiers. Senior military dignitaries, including General Upendra Dwivedi and Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, flagged off the rallies, which also included an all-women motorcycle rally and the Ice and Steel Cycling Expedition. Participants interacted with the public along the way, collecting messages for soldiers and reinforcing national solidarity.
Various military stations organized events to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. The NOKs of the fallen heroes were special guests at these events, including interactions with school children at the Shahidgarh War Memorial, the Sarhad Shauryathon at the Zojila War Memorial, and wreath-laying ceremonies. These occasions allowed the nation to express its gratitude and support for the families of the fallen heroes. The felicitation of veer naris underscored the commitment to supporting these families and ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered.
As a lead-up to the grand Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti celebrations at the Kargil War Memorial on July 25 and 26, a series of inspirational events featured living legends of the Kargil War sharing their experiences with the younger generation.
Keynote speakers included General VP Malik, Lieutenant General YK Joshi, Brigadier SS Shekhawat, and Colonel Sonam Wangchuk. The presence of Shri Girdhari Lal Batra, father of the brave heart Captain Vikram Batra, added fervour to the events. These sessions aimed to inspire and motivate the younger generation by sharing the stories of courage and valour from the Kargil War.
Student outreach events were also organized, including drawing and poster competitions, slogan writing, athletic events, and village volleyball competitions. These activities encouraged teamwork and camaraderie. Additionally, motivational lectures, movie screenings on Kargil War themes, and training sessions on motor mechanics and vehicle repair were conducted to empower students. ‘Run for Fun’ and ‘Know Your Armed Forces’ events at Model School, Sagra, familiarized students with the role and sacrifices of the armed forces, fostering a sense of national pride.
These run-up events to the grand Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti celebrations have been a resounding success, inspiring national pride and gratitude toward the brave hearts of the Kargil War.