- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Dras: “Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge”
- Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth: Kargil heroes’ sacrifice an “inexhaustible source of inspiration”
- 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas recalls 545 bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for India
- From Operation Vijay to a future-ready military, nation remembers valour, sacrifice and self-reliance
- Patriotism echoes across Dras as veterans, Veer Naaris and families of fallen heroes join commemorations
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
DRAS, JULY 25
Where the mountains still whisper the names of the fallen, India stood united in gratitude on Saturday, saluting the 545 bravehearts whose courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit secured victory in the 1999 Kargil War. On the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth paid tribute to the heroes of Operation Vijay, sending out a powerful message that the nation remembers its martyrs—and that India’s armed forces remain ready to defend every inch of the motherland.
“Even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to employ nefarious tactics such as proxy wars and infiltration, the Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at a commemorative event in Dras.
Paying homage to the bravehearts who secured India’s historic victory, Rajnath Singh said the courage, resolve and patriotism displayed by Indian soldiers under the harshest conditions continue to inspire the armed forces and the entire nation.
Expressing unwavering confidence in the defence forces, the Defence Minister said no one could dare cast an evil eye on India as long as the patriotism and resolve of the nation’s valiant troops remained unshaken. Their courage, he added, enables every citizen to pursue dreams and build the nation without fear.
‘The challenges have not diminished’: Rajnath
Interacting with Army personnel over Barakhana, Rajnath Singh said the pride of recalling the Kargil victory must be accompanied by an awareness of the challenges that continue to confront the nation.
“While we feel a sense of pride recalling the Kargil victory, we must remember that the challenges facing us have not diminished,” he said.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers, the Defence Minister said sustained emphasis was being laid on defence modernisation so that the armed forces were equipped with world-class weaponry, technology and training.
Acknowledging the Indian defence forces for rapidly embracing cutting-edge technologies, Rajnath Singh said the stories of their valour, commitment and sacrifice were being recognised not only in India but across the world.
“This century belongs to us; the future belongs to us. Given the strides we have made towards self-reliance, I am confident that our defence forces will become the best in the world in the times to come,” he said.
Army Chief: ‘Golden History Of Victory’
In his message on the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth paid rich tribute to the heroes of the 1999 war, whose courage and unwavering resolve, he said, scripted a “golden history of victory”.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as an immortal symbol of the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice. On this occasion, I pay humble tribute to all the heroes of Kargil, whose valour and unwavering resolve scripted a golden history of victory while safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty,” General Seth said.
He described the supreme sacrifice of the Kargil heroes as an “inexhaustible source of inspiration for every warrior of the Indian Army”.
“The Indian Army remains ever-dedicated and committed to the defence and nation-building of the country,” he added.
From ‘Veeron Ki Mitti’ To Shaurya Bhoj: A nation remembers
The commemorative programme in Dras unfolded as a deeply moving tribute to the soldiers and their families.
At ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial, patriotic tunes set the tone for a solemn remembrance of the heroes of Operation Vijay. Ten Next of Kin of Kargil War heroes were felicitated in recognition of the courage, resilience and sacrifice of their families.
A Kalash containing ‘Veeron Ki Mitti’ was presented to the Defence Minister. Inter-faith prayers by religious teachers were followed by the solemn Beating Retreat ceremony and the National Anthem. Rajnath Singh thereafter lit lamps at the memorial in homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.
The commemorations also featured ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, where Kargil War veterans, families of fallen soldiers and dignitaries recalled the extraordinary acts of courage displayed during Operation Vijay. A film and video presentation showcased the valour of 40 heroes, while family members shared cherished memories of their loved ones.
At Vishwanathan Stadium, the afternoon programme showcased India’s military prowess, discipline and cultural heritage. The Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band delivered patriotic performances, followed by a precision motorcycle display by the ‘Shwet Ashwa’ team of the Corps of Military Police Centre and School.
Students presented a vibrant National Integration Dance, while demonstrations highlighted the Indian Army’s growing integration of cutting-edge technologies for operations in high-altitude and challenging terrain.
The programme culminated in ‘Shaurya Bhoj’, bringing together the Defence Minister, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, serving personnel, veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naaris, Next of Kin of the fallen heroes, civil dignitaries and local citizens.
The event also featured demonstrations of drones, robotic mules and Army Martial Arts Routine drills, underlining the transformation of the Indian military into a technology-enabled and future-ready force.
545 sacrifices, one eternal victory
India will commemorate the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 with the Shradhanjali Samaroh, where the Defence Minister will pay homage to the heroes of Operation Vijay on behalf of the nation.
The Kargil War claimed the lives of 545 bravehearts—537 personnel of the Indian Army, five of the Indian Air Force, one of the Border Security Force and two civilians. Their supreme sacrifice ensured India’s victory and safeguarded the nation’s territorial integrity.
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the historic 1999 victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan after Pakistani forces infiltrated across the Line of Control and occupied strategically commanding heights.
The Indian Army responded through Operation Vijay, supported by the Indian Air Force’s Operation Safed Sagar and the full deployment of the Indian Navy. Guided by the strategy of contain, evict and deny, Indian forces reclaimed the snow-covered heights without crossing the Line of Control.
More than two decades later, the mountains of Kargil continue to stand as a living monument to courage.
The message from Dras remains unmistakable: India remembers its heroes, honours its martyrs and stands ready—always—to defend the nation.
