Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage at the Kargil War Memorial on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, in Dras, Friday, July 26, 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi paid tributes to soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. This solemn event was marked by poignant speeches and a deep sense of gratitude towards the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Shinkun La Tunnel Project
During the event, Prime Minister Modi virtually initiated the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This ambitious project includes a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel, set to be constructed at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road. Once completed, this will be the highest tunnel in the world, providing all-weather connectivity to Leh. The tunnel is expected to enhance the swift and efficient movement of India's armed forces and equipment, while also fostering economic and social development in Ladakh.
Tributes from National Leaders
In New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered his tributes to the soldiers who died in the line of duty in the 1999 Kargil War at the National War Memorial. President Droupadi Murmu, in a heartfelt message, hailed the “courage and extraordinary valour” of the armed forces. She urged all countrymen to draw inspiration from the soldiers' sacrifice and bravery.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion for a grateful nation to pay tribute to the indomitable courage and extraordinary valour of our armed forces,” President Murmu said in a post on X. “I pay tribute to each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting Mother India on the peaks of Kargil in the year 1999 and bow in reverence to their sacred memory.”
Commemorations Across the Nation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also commemorated the occasion with a post on X, praising the “unwavering commitment, valour, and patriotism” of the soldiers. “Today, on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 war. Their unwavering commitment, valour, and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe and secure. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and our coming generations,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the symbolic significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas as a testament to the resolve and bravery of the soldiers. “In the Kargil war, the brave soldiers displayed ultimate valour in the inaccessible hills of the Himalayas, forced the enemy army to kneel down, and made the country proud by hoisting the tricolour again in Kargil,” he said.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also saluted the soldiers' valour and dedication. “The legacy of their courage and patriotism acts as a guiding light for all Indians,” he mentioned in his post.
Remembering the Martyrs
As the country celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the families of the soldiers recall the bravery and dedication of their loved ones who laid down their lives during the 1999 war between India and Pakistan. Madhubala, the widow of Kargil hero Vinod Kumar, expressed her pride and honour in being part of the commemoration. “On May 18, 1997, we got married and on June 14, 1999, he lost his life. I feel very good to be here and feel proud,” she said.
Rajender Kumar, the elder brother of Kargil hero soldier Bejender Kumar, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I feel so proud; he died for the country. We remember him every day.”
Prashanti, wife of Kargil hero Group Captain K. Nachiketa Rao, shared her experience of praying for her husband's safe return from Pakistan. Group Captain Rao was a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force who was captured by Pakistani forces before being handed over to Indian authorities. “We feel proud as there are very few people who get such a chance to show such bravery and then get to come back and live to tell those tales,” she said.
Operation Vijay: A Historic Victory
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. The bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the Indian armed forces during this operation remain etched in the nation's memory, inspiring generations to come.
This year’s commemoration not only honours the fallen heroes but also reaffirms the nation's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and integrity, drawing inspiration from the valour and dedication of those who stood on the icy heights of Kargil 25 years ago.
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