Kargil Vijay Diwas is a significant day in India’s history that commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War against Pakistan in 1999. On this day, the nation pays tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and celebrates the valor and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces.

A two-day event to mark 24th Anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas and martyrdom of 559 soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War began in Ladakh’s Dras on Tuesday.

Candles lit at Kargil War Memorial in memory of the fighters who set out their lives during the 1999 Kargil war in Drass. (TRENDING TOPS)

On the Kargil Vijay Diwas, State leader Narendra Modi honored the fallen officers during the 1999 Kargil war. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas brings to the front the gallant adventure of those great bravehearts of India, who will continuously stay a motivation for the comrades. On this unique day, I kneel and salute him with the utmost sincerity. May India live forever!”

On the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid wreath at Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh’s Dras to pay his tribute to soldiers who lost their life in Kargil war on Wednesday. He also visited the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ museum which was created to commemorate the Kargil soldiers

Army chief General Manoj Pande, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari also laid wreath at the war memorial to pay their tributes.

Four MIG 29 aircraft and three Cheetal helicopters of Army Aviation flew past Kargil War Memorial showering flower petals on the 24th anniversary of the war.

Leaders come forward to celebrate the occasion

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday paid tribute to the soldiers who died during the Kargil war at an event organised by the Kargil Shaheed Smriti Vatika in Lucknow. He tweeted on Wednesday, “Hearty congratulations to all the people of the state on ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, a great symbol of Indian Army’s unmatched valour, incredible efficiency, unwavering discipline and the lofty spirit of Nation First! Hundreds of salutes to all the immortal sons of Mother India who sacrificed their everything in the service of the nation!”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, taking to Twitter, expressed, “Good tidings to the bold fighters of our Military, their families and to all the individual Indians on #KargilVijayDiwas. Greetings to the affliction of our bravehearts who made the preeminent penance shielding our country in the Kargil War. Their unfazed boldness and fearlessness will move ages.”

Outside Issues serve S Jaishankar and Parliamentary undertakings serve Prahlad Joshi additionally honored the officers.

Two-day occasion celebrated in Ladakh’s Dras
A two-day occasion to check the Kargil Vijay Diwas and the suffering of 559 fighters during the 1999 Kargil War started in Ladakh’s Dras on Tuesday. The festivals started at the Lamochen view point in Dras with war legends as well as groups of fallen fighters recalling the fearless saints.

The chief guest of the event was Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi. A cultural programme was held after this in the presence of Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande.

Pande also interacted with veterans and gallantry award winners at the event. He felicitated the families of the martyred soldiers.

The Indian Armed force tweeted on Tuesday, “just before #KargilVijayDiwas 2023, General Manoj Pande #COAS cooperated with #Veterans, #VeerNaris, Courage Grant Victors and Awam of #Dras and #Kargil and conveyed his appreciation. An entrancing presentation of Military Groups and social execution displaying rich and different culture of #Ladakh was likewise exhibited during the occasion.”

On Tuesday night, a few group offered recognition at the Kargil War Remembrance alongside the Military boss as well as current and previous top armed force authorities. In addition to that, to give proper respect to the officers who lost their lives during ‘Activity Vijay’, 559 lights were lit — each for a fighter — at the Go Bhoomi.

In another tweet, the Indian Army said, “General Manoj Pande #COAS paid homage to the #Bravehearts of the #KargilWar in a solemn ceremony ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at Kargil War Memorial, #Dras. Gallant heroes, #VeerNaris & various civil & military dignitaries lit 559 lamps, in honour of the fallen #Bravehearts…He interacted with the #NariSashaktikaran Women Motorcycle Rally Team and all other dignitaries present during this solemn occasion.”

The ceremony was attended by the public along with military dignitaries, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, War Heroes of Kargil and the families of the martyred soldiers.

The Kargil War was battled in the late spring of 1999 to remove Pakistan standard powers, who had barged in and involved winter emptied posts on the Indian side of the LoC, in this way abusing an unwritten understanding. The activity cost the Indian Armed force 527 youthful lives, in whose memory the dedicatory capability is held consistently.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated on July 26 every year to observe India’s victory over Pakistan. Heroic deeds, astounding bravery and unflinching determination of Indian soldiers forced the Pakistan regular forces and Pakistan’s irregulars to withdraw and vacate defence emplacements during the 55-day war.

During the course of the war, there were several intense battles, including the Battle of Tololing, Battle of Point 4875, and Battle of Tiger Hill, among others. The Indian forces faced significant challenges due to the steep terrain, extreme weather conditions, and the determined opposition from well-entrenched Pakistani troops.

However, through their valor, strategic planning, and the use of advanced military technology, the Indian forces managed to drive out the intruders and regain control of the Kargil region.

The war concluded on July 26, 1999, with India successfully reclaiming all the occupied territories and pushing the Pakistani forces back across the Line of Control. The victory came at a heavy cost, with many brave soldiers laying down their lives in defense of the nation.

The Kargil War remains a defining moment in India’s military history, highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of its armed forces. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26th each year, is a day of remembrance and tribute to the soldiers who fought and laid down their lives during the conflict. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the nation’s borders and the valor of those who protect the country.