DRAS, Jul 25: The Indian Army on Saturday began a series of commemorative events in Dras to mark the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and valour of soldiers who fought during the 1999 Kargil War under Operation Vijay.
The two-day celebrations, centred around the iconic Kargil War Memorial, feature a range of events, including Yudh Sansmaran, Shaurya Sandhya, cultural performances, a motorcycle display by the Army’s ‘Shwet Ashwa’ team, and a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the fallen heroes.
The commemorations commenced with Yudh Sansmaran at the scenic Lamochen View Point overlooking the historic Kargil battlefield. The programme included a 33-minute documentary recounting the Kargil War and India’s victory under Operation Vijay, followed by a tribute film honouring 40 Kargil martyrs whose families were present at the event.
Senior Army officers, including Major General Amit Prakash Singh, General Officer Commanding, Forever in Operations Division, Kargil War veterans, Veer Naris and Veer Matas attended the ceremony.
Later in the day, the Army organised ‘Gauravmaya Sanskriti’ at Vishwanathan Stadium in Dras, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and the spirit of patriotism. The event featured a patriotic performance by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band and a precision motorcycle display by the Army’s ‘Shwet Ashwa’ Motorcycle Riders, demonstrating exceptional riding skills and discipline.
A ceremonial ‘Vijay Bhoj’ was also hosted by the Army to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay.
In the evening, the ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ programme will be held at the Kargil War Memorial, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attending as the chief guest. The event will honour the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil conflict.
The ceremony will also be attended by Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Fire and Fury Corps Commander Lt Gen Madanraj Pande, senior Army officers, war veterans and families of the martyrs.
On July 26, the Army will hold the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the 1999 war.
The programme will also include ‘Gaurav Gatha’, recounting the courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the conflict, followed by the inauguration of a virtual walkthrough portal of the Kargil War Memorial by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The commemorative events will conclude with the flag-in of the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a motorcycle rally from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, symbolising the nation’s enduring gratitude to the soldiers who secured India’s victory in the Kargil War.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on July 26, marks India’s victory in the 1999 conflict, when Indian Armed Forces successfully recaptured strategic mountain peaks occupied by Pakistani intruders, reaffirming the nation’s resolve, courage and unity.
