“Kargil Vijay Diwas: Saluting India’s Heroes and Remembering Their Valor”
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates a significant event in the history of India and Pakistan, marked by the Kargil War in 1999. This conflict emerged from long-standing tensions between the two countries, stemming from their 1971 war, the nuclear tests in 1998, and the dispute over the Siachen Glacier.
In the winter of 1998-1999, the situation intensified as Pakistani armed forces secretly trained and deployed troops to cross the Line of Control (LOC) and seize strategic positions in Kargil, Ladakh. Initially mistaken for terrorists, it became clear that this was a well-planned military operation.
India responded by deploying a large force of over 200,000 troops to counter the infiltration and protect the region. The war resulted in significant casualties for India, with 527 soldiers from the Indian Army losing their lives.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
In a tweet in Hindi, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the extraordinary courage displayed by India’s warriors during the Kargil War. He emphasized that Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of their bravery and sacrifice, inspiring the people of the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to the Kargil war heroes by laying a wreath at the Dras war memorial. The commemoration event for Vijay Diwas began with a solemn ceremony, attended by war heroes and families of the fallen soldiers at the Lamochen viewpoint.
The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, graced the occasion as the chief guest, and Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande was also present, adding significance to the event. A cultural program followed, showcasing the rich and diverse culture of Ladakh.
During the ceremony, a touching gesture was made to honor the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers. 559 lamps were lit at the Veer Bhoomi, each representing a soldier who laid down their life during ‘Operation Vijay.’ This act symbolized the gratitude of the nation towards these brave souls.
In Drass, Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande spoke with veterans, “Veer Naris” (war widows), winners of bravery awards, and villagers to express his sincere gratitude. The eve of the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was made memorable through these interactions.
The Kargil War, also known as ‘Operation Vijay,’ came to a successful culmination on July 26, 1999. The Indian Army declared victory after nearly three months of intense fighting at the icy heights of Kargil, including challenging locations like Tololing and Tiger Hill.
The Indian Army’s official Twitter account shared moments from the event and conveyed its appreciation for the soldiers and the local community. The mesmerizing display of military bands and cultural performances showcased the spirit and resilience of the people of Ladakh.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day of remembrance, honouring the courage and dedication of India’s soldiers. It reminds the nation of the sacrifices made by these unparalleled warriors, who will forever be a source of inspiration for the people of India. The commemoration of this day allows the entire nation to come together to pay tribute to these brave souls and express gratitude for their selfless service in protecting the country’s sovereignty.
