The Indian Army initiated the two-day concluding event of the “Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti Varsh” in Dras, Ladakh, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. This important milestone commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War, celebrated throughout the year with various events across India.
The ceremonies were attended by senior serving officers, Gallantry Award Winners, veterans, and the Next of Kin of soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War. Highlights included the Battle Reminiscence at Lamochen View Point, Vijay Bhoj, and Shaurya Sandhya.
At Lamochen View Point in Dras, a special event was organized to honor the brave soldiers of the Kargil War. The event began 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 mountains where these fierce battles took place. War heroes shared their experiences, recounting the bravery, spirit, and dedication of the soldiers.
General VP Malik (Retired) served as the Chief Guest, accompanied by other notable Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra Awardees.
The Gauravmayi Sanskriti function was held to celebrate the braves, their families, and other esteemed guests. This event showcased the cultural diversity of Ladakh and India, reflecting the vibrant culture, national spirit, and patriotism of all Indians. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, along with Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President AWWA, attended the function and interacted with the gallantry award winners, bravehearts, and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War. They also engaged with students of Ladakh and NCC cadets.
In the evening, the Shaurya Sandhya event at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras commenced with a moving rendition of patriotic songs by the Tri-Services Fusion Band, followed by solemn prayers conducted by religious teachers representing all major religions. Lamps were lit at the Veer Bhoomi in memory of the bravehearts. This ceremony was attended by numerous civilian and military dignitaries, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, and war heroes of Kargil, paying tribute to the soldiers’ great sacrifices. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi were present to honor the occasion.
In New Delhi, Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the Kargil War and ensuring that the lessons learned continue to inspire future generations. He underscored that the valour and dedication displayed by the soldiers will forever motivate the nation, reinforcing the commitment to national security and sovereignty.