New Delhi, July 26: India today observed the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying heartfelt tributes to the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. From the icy heights of Dras to every corner of the country, the day resonated with solemn pride, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to national security.
At the heart of the commemorations was a grand ceremony held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, where Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi led the nation in honouring the fallen heroes. Also in attendance were families of martyrs, war veterans, gallantry awardees, and top military officials — a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of India’s armed forces.
Voices from the Battlefield
The remembrance began on July 25 with a Battle Remembrance ceremony at Lamochen Viewpoint, where veterans of the Kargil conflict recounted harrowing experiences and shared personal stories of comradeship and courage. Their narratives served not only as history but as living memory — tales etched in blood and grit on the treacherous slopes of Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Batalik.
Shaurya Sandhya: Light, Music, and Unity
A highlight of the observance was the emotive ‘Shaurya Sandhya’, an evening of remembrance that saw the lighting of 545 lamps, each symbolising a soldier’s supreme sacrifice. A moving musical performance by the Army band, combined with multi-faith prayers, captured the essence of unity in diversity — a nation mourning and celebrating together.
Renewed Resolve: Army Chief’s Address
On July 26, during the Wreath Laying Ceremony, General Dwivedi saluted the bravery of the Indian soldier, reiterating the Army’s resolve to guard the nation’s sovereignty with unwavering vigilance. He outlined recent developments under Operation Sindoor, lauding India’s growing prowess in precision warfare and technology.
The Army’s transformation, he said, is rooted in innovation and self-reliance, highlighting new-age formations such as:
‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades
‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions
‘Shaktibaan’ artillery regiments
‘Divyastra’ drone-enabled units
Indigenous air defence systems
Legacy and Technology: A Bridge to the Future
The Army also launched several legacy projects to preserve the spirit of Kargil for future generations:
Indus Viewpoint at Batalik, offering a strategic and emotional perspective of the battlefield
e-Shradhanjali portal, a digital platform to pay tributes
QR-based Audio Gateway, offering guided experiences at key sites
A Capability Display showcased India’s indigenous defence technology, including surveillance systems, firepower solutions, and next-generation drone warfare — a testament to the country’s evolving military doctrine.
Across the Nation: From Homes to Hearts
In an unprecedented gesture, Army teams personally visited the families of all 545 martyrs across India and Nepal, offering gratitude and solidarity. Cultural programmes and youth outreach events recreated pivotal moments from the war, fostering patriotism and a deeper connection to history among the next generation.
A Glowing Tribute
As dusk descended upon the rugged ridges of Dras, the War Memorial radiated in the hues of the Tiranga, a solemn yet proud reminder of what it means to be Indian. The flicker of every lamp, the echo of every prayer, and the silence between every note played was a promise: India will never forget.
