Mandaviya, Seth lead tribute march for Kargil heroes
Drass, Jul 26: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial here as the nation paid tributes to its fallen soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday.
Mandaviya along with Seth and LAHDC Kargil Chairman Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, led hundreds of youths in a padyatra here in Ladakh to pay tributes to the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil war.
They led the Padyatra organised by MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat), under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in which over 3,000 youth volunteers, along with veterans, serving armed forces personnel, families of martyrs, and members of civil society participated.
Carrying forward this spirit of unity, the padyatra moved along a symbolic 1.5-kilometre route from the grounds of Himabass Public High School to Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. During the padyatra, cultural performances showcasing the vibrant traditions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh brought colour and meaning to the occasion, reflecting the unity and cultural richness of the region.
Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, urged the participants to dedicate themselves to building a strong and developed India, guided by a “Nation First” spirit.
“We have always been victorious. Being victorious is our nature,” he said.
Through this padyatra, we want to send a message to the young blood across the country that we all pledge to perform our duties and responsibilities towards the nation, he added.
Mandaviya said, “Kargil is not just a place in history, it is a living symbol of India’s resilience and unwavering spirit. It stands as a powerful reminder that when it comes to protecting the sovereignty of our nation, India remains united, resolute, and unshaken.”
Reflecting on his recent visit to Sando Top, Dr. Mandaviya added, “India has never initiated conflict, but when provoked, we respond with courage, dignity, and determination.”
Union Minister also highlighted India’s growing strategic capabilities, citing the significance of Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor as milestones in the nation’s military history. He reaffirmed that India’s armed forces continue to stand as the steadfast guardians of national pride and sovereignty.
Emphasizing the critical role of Amrit Peedhi, Dr. Mandaviya urged them to take up the mantle of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in Rashtranirman (nation-building) and contribute actively to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. “It is now upon our yuva shakti to carry forward the dreams of our brave soldiers and help shape a stronger, Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he concluded.
Seth also addressed the gathering and praised the energy of the youngsters and the sacrifices of the armed forces.
“The country remembers the stupidity which Pakistan did on May 6, 1999. The entire country remembers on when India’s brave soldiers gave a fitting response to it. Be it a surgical strike, an air strike, or Operation Sindoor, the Indian army is no less than any other,” the Union MoS defence said.
“I also salute the soldiers who are on the borders, hundreds of kilometres away, protecting the tricolour and serving India. Today marks 26 years of Kargil Vijay, and I pay my respects to everyone who gave their all,” he added.
Seth further mentioned how the whole world was ‘bewildered’ with India’s using its indigenous weapons to give a befitting reply to the Pahalgam terror attack.
“During Operation Sindoor, India attacked Pakistan’s terror bases using its indigenous weapons, which is why the world is bewildered that Indian forces destroyed the intentions of Pakistan within a few minutes,” he mentioned.
The MoS Defence also highlighted the self-reliance of India’s defence industry, reiterating the government’s target of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore defence exports by 2029.
“India is no longer an importer, today, we are exporting defence weapons to nearly 92 countries. Remember those days? Our exports has been around Rs 30,622 crore, our target is to export Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 3 lakh crore in 2029. PM Modi’s vision is to make India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the Defence Minister provides motivation to the Indian army. We are now 75% Atmanirbhar,” he said.
Following the Padyatra, both Ministers, joined by 100 MY Bharat youth volunteers, proceeded to the Kargil War Memorial where they offered floral tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 war.
The next of kin of the martyrs and local residents were among the first to lay wreaths at the war memorial as they began arriving as early as 6 am. Later, helicopters flew over the memorial and showered flower petals as a mark of respect.
The Last Post ceremony was held as a mark of respect for the martyrs, serving as a mark of the culmination of the wreath-laying ceremony. Various events were organised here at the Kargil War Memorial to mark the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
On the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya also felicitated 26 female bikers from the Shakti Udgosh Foundation, who completed a long-distance motorbike rally to honour the martyrs.
