By Staff Correspondent
Every year, as the nation bows its head in gratitude, Kargil Vijay Diwas stands tall as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldier and the unbreakable unity of our country. Marking its 26th anniversary in 2025, the Indian Army transformed this solemn occasion into an exuberant celebration of valour, sacrifice, and the resolute commitment to national security and unity. The commemorations at Dras, at the very heart of the Kargil conflict, resonated not only with poignant remembrance but also with a renewed vision for the future, blending tradition with trailblazing modernity.
A Resplendent Tribute to Courage and Sacrifice
The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was inaugurated with reverence at the iconic Kargil War Memorial in Dras, where the snow-clad peaks silently witnessed the epic tales of heroism in 1999. Dignitaries such as Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Sanjay Seth, Shri Kavinder Gupta, and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, led the nation in honouring the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives in Operation Vijay. The ceremonial lighting of 545 lamps—each a beacon of sacrifice—cast a warm, ethereal glow, filling every heart with pride and poignant admiration.
The Ministry’s inclusionary outreach, touching the families of every single martyr across India and Nepal, reinforced the belief that the gratitude of a nation knows no boundaries. The felicitation of Veer Naris and Next of Kin was not just a gesture—it was a reaffirmation that their loss and their loved ones’ bravery will never be forgotten. The Army’s commitment to its brave men and women, and their families, shone as a guiding light of compassion and solidarity.
Celebrating Legacy: Stories, Songs, and New Horizons
Reminiscence took center stage during the Battle Remembrance Ceremony at Lamochen Viewpoint, perched above the very battlegrounds where history was written in blood and courage. Veterans and serving officers recounted stories—from daring mountain assaults to the brotherhood that binds the olive-green family—brought alive through stirring visuals and heartfelt speeches.
Cultural fervour swept through the celebratory Vijay Bhoj and dance performances by NCC cadets, students from Army Goodwill Public Schools, and the soldiers themselves, painting the air with vibrant hues of patriotism. The ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ programme, with the Army band narrating tales of ‘Gaurav Gatha’ and religious prayers across faiths, underscored India’s unique spirit of unity in diversity. One of the most heartfelt highlights—the lighting of 545 lamps and the felicitation of families—left scarcely a dry eye.
Celebrating the Spirit of Kargil Vijay Diwas: A Salute to India’s Bravehearts
This year’s commemoration took on a particularly poignant note as Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh laid a solemn wreath at the National War Memorial (NWM) in New Delhi. His tribute was not merely ceremonial—it echoed the collective gratitude of over a billion Indians to the bravehearts who faced unimaginable odds-on rugged mountain peaks and hostile terrains to secure a historic victory. As he noted in the visitors’ book, Kargil Vijay stands as a “unique example of bravery” that will inspire countless generations.
The aura at the National War Memorial was nothing short of electrifying. The site, a living symbol of honour and sacrifice, holds within its stones the stories of those who placed their nation above everything else. It was a reminder—as Shri Rajnath Singh observed in his message—that India’s freedom comes at a price, a price paid in full by the unwavering resolve of our armed forces. The supreme sacrifice of our soldiers during the Kargil war serves as a timeless reminder of their commitment. Their grit, determination, and courage, even in the most daunting circumstances, stand as a beacon for all.
Beyond Delhi, the reverberations of gratitude and pride echoed in Dras, Kargil, where the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports orchestrated the inspiring ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’. Led by Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, the padyatra saw over a thousand participants—youth, serving and retired personnel, and families of martyrs—come together in a stirring display of unity and respect. As the procession snaked through Dras, ending at the historic Kargil War Memorial, every step was a tribute, every face a mirror of pride and reverence.
The presence of top military dignitaries—Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, the Naval and Air Chiefs—at memorials across the nation highlighted the collective spirit of India’s defence fraternity. Their silent salute, shared words, and solemn wreaths reaffirmed the vow to preserve our territorial integrity and honour the legacy of the fallen. As Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan observed, the legacy of Kargil is a powerful lesson: jointness, preparedness, and courage are India’s irrevocable strengths.
The stories of Kargil’s heroes are not just memories—they are the living flame of patriotism, inspiring every Indian and fuelling our hope for a secure tomorrow. As Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth rightly said, “The sacrifice of the bravehearts will forever keep the lamp of patriotism burning in the heart of every Indian.” Their legacy is etched not just in stone memorials, but in the very soul of our nation.
Every year, as we commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas and pay tribute at the National War Memorial (NWM), we are reminded of the exceptional courage, devotion, and sacrifice displayed by the bravehearts of our Armed Forces. Their legacy—so powerfully expressed by the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force—shines as a beacon, forever illuminating the path of ‘Service before Self’ for our nation’s defenders. Their heroic deeds serve as both a rallying call and a promise; a testament to the unwavering commitment with which our soldiers, sailors, and air warriors serve India.
The Chief of the Army Staff beautifully described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of indomitable courage and determination, underscoring our Army’s commitment to protecting our sovereignty and self-respect. The Chief of the Navy reminded us that the bravehearts’ stories instill the values of Duty, Honour, and Courage in every person who chooses to serve. From the skies, the Air Chief affirmed that the legacy of our fallen heroes will remain immortal, inspiring all ranks to continue upholding traditions of valour and service.
The words of our leaders and the sacrifices they honour are etched into the Nation’s memory, thanks to sacred spaces like the National War Memorial. The Defence Secretary and the Vice Chief of the Army Staff emphasized that the duty and selfless service of our soldiers remain alive in our collective hearts—urging future generations to uphold these highest ideals.
Modernisation in Motion: Showcasing India’s Tech Prowess
This Vijay Diwas was not just about remembering the past but embracing the future with conviction. The Army’s Capability Display, themed around “Tech Absorption: Imbibe, Innovate, Integrate,” showcased indigenous innovations in mobility, surveillance, drones, and cutting-edge weaponry. Swarm drones, logistics drones, and FPV drones were demonstrated, underlining the Army’s relentless push for preparedness in the most challenging terrains.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s address encapsulated the Army’s transformation—‘Rudra’ brigades, ‘Bhairav’ commandos, ‘Shaktibaan’ artillery, and indigenous air defence systems—heralding a force that is both rooted in tradition and future-ready. His call to the youth, to serve with honesty and pride, resonated powerfully as a call to duty for generations to come.
Honouring Memory, Forging New Bonds
Unveiling legacy projects like the Indus Viewpoint, the e-Shradhanjali online tribute portal, and the QR-based Audio Gateway, the Indian Army reaffirmed its commitment to honouring memory and spreading awareness far and wide. The #OnThisDay campaign, adventure activities, and community-led outreach brought together locals, veterans, and youth—strengthening the sacred bond between our Defence Forces and the civil society.
Perhaps most moving was the Special Outreach Drive, which saw 37 teams visiting every single family of Kargil’s 545 martyrs, bringing solace, pride, and a collective embrace from a grateful nation. Such acts remind us that martyrs live on, not just in memorials or medals, but in everyday gratitude and national consciousness.
A Resounding Message of Eternal Vigilance and Unity
As dusk painted the Ladakh sky and the Kargil War Memorial shone in resplendent Tricolor, one could feel the pulse of a nation bound together by sacrifice and hope. The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was more than a commemoration—it was a clarion call, an oath renewed, that the spirit of the Indian soldier and the gratitude of the people will never fade.
In these moments of remembrance, celebration, and technological leap forward, the message was resoundingly clear: India remembers, India honours, and India stands ever ready—undaunted, united, and unyielding. The spirit of Kargil echoes eternally, inspiring each Indian to protect, cherish, and build our beloved nation with pride and purpose. Jai Hind!
