- Defence Minister flags off ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ to honour the heroes of Operation Vijay and ignite patriotic spirit across generations
- Twenty-eight riders to traverse 1,900 km from the National War Memorial to the Kargil War Memorial over 13 days under the motto ‘One Ride, One Nation, One Salute’
- Expedition carries sacred soil from the National War Memorial to Dras, symbolising the eternal bond between the nation’s gratitude and the supreme sacrifice of its martyrs
- Defence Minister says Kargil victory reflects India’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty, honour and identity with full might
- Serving soldiers, veterans, families and NCC cadets unite in a journey celebrating courage, duty, patriotism and national unity
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 14
In a stirring tribute to the indomitable spirit of India’s soldiers, the nation has embarked on a symbolic journey from the heart of the Capital to the icy heights of Kargil, retracing the footsteps of heroes who defended the Tricolour against all odds. As India prepares to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ has set out not merely as a motorcycle expedition, but as a moving salute to courage, sacrifice and the undying legacy of Operation Vijay.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the 13-day Shaurya Vijay Yatra from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Ladakh as part of the nationwide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026.
The expedition will see 28 riders, including serving and retired Armed Forces personnel along with their family members, cover nearly 1,900 kilometres across the rugged Himalayan terrain in honour of the courage, determination and supreme sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who secured victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The expedition carries the inspiring motto, “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.”
Paying glowing tributes to the heroes of Operation Vijay, Rajnath Singh said, “The gallant Indian soldiers wrote a golden chapter of courage, patience, discipline and unmatched patriotism that militaries across the world continue to study and respect.”
Recalling the extraordinary challenges faced by Indian troops, he said, “At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet and temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees Celsius, our soldiers achieved their objectives with courage and resilience. They reclaimed every peak, hill and bunker from enemy control and upheld the honour of the Tricolour. The victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze upon our land, identity and honour.”
The Defence Minister expressed profound gratitude to the nation’s bravehearts, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd), for their unparalleled contribution to India’s victory.
He described these legendary warriors as enduring symbols of courage, saying their sacrifices would continue to inspire the youth and future generations.
During the expedition, the riders will pay homage at several iconic military memorials, including the Chandimandir War Memorial, Rezang La War Memorial and Leh War Memorial. They will also interact with and felicitate Veer Naris, acknowledging their resilience and sacrifice.
The expedition will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on July 26, when the nation marks Kargil Vijay Diwas.
In a deeply symbolic gesture, the riders are carrying an urn containing sacred soil from the National War Memorial, which will be offered at Kargil in memory of the fallen heroes.
Explaining its significance, Rajnath Singh said, “When the soil from here unites with the one in Kargil, it would symbolise the confluence of the reverence of the nation’s current generation and the valour of the nation’s heroes.”
Highlighting the spirit of national unity embodied by the expedition, he said, “Serving officers, veterans and civilians from different parts of the country are participating together. Diverse backgrounds, languages and traditions, yet one Tricolour, one Nation and a shared reverence for our heroes—this is the very identity of our country.”
With National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets present at the flag-off ceremony, the Defence Minister expressed confidence that the Shaurya Vijay Yatra would rekindle patriotism among citizens, particularly the youth.
He said the expedition would remind future generations that safeguarding the nation’s freedom and honour is not confined to the borders alone, but also lives on in the nation’s collective memory, values and unwavering commitment to those who laid down their lives for India.
Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior military officials attended the ceremony.
Organised by the Indian Army, the Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects the Armed Forces’ enduring commitment to preserving the legacy of Operation Vijay, inspiring every Indian to uphold the timeless ideals of duty, honour, courage and selfless service.
