As India marks the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, the nation prepares to honor the fearless soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistani intruders. The Indian Army has rolled out a grand two-day celebration starting Friday at the iconic Kargil War Memorial in Drass, where three Union ministers, including the Minister of State for Defence, will lay floral wreaths to salute the bravehearts who battled a mix of Pakistani troops and terrorists.
The festivities kick off with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by heartfelt interactions with the families of the martyrs. Expect vibrant cultural performances, including the mesmerizing Yak dance and a national integration dance showcasing artists from across India. Patriotic songs will echo through the hills, culminating in a moving felicitation of the martyrs’ kin, a Beating Retreat, and a stirring rendition of the national anthem to close the formal events.
The Kargil War Memorial, now a pilgrimage site for thousands of tourists, has grown from a modest setup in 2000 to one of India’s best-maintained tributes. ‘Vijaypath’ leads visitors past busts of eight national heroes Major Rajesh Adhikari, Major P Acharya, Major Vivek Gupta, Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, Captain Neikezhoue Kenguruse, and Lieutenant Manoj Pandey whose valor defined the war. Captain Batra and Lieutenant Pandey earned the Param Vir Chakra, while the others received the Mahavir Chakra.
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The memorial also showcases the legendary Bofors and QF 25-Pounder guns, whose firepower crushed enemy positions in 1999. As India celebrates the courage of its soldiers, Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and the nation’s unbreakable spirit.
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