The 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed on Sunday with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, and other senior military officers paid homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Operation Vijay in 1999.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Kargil War Memorial
The sun shone bright in the Dras Valley as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial, offering his homage to the fallen heroes. Before him, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, also laid wreaths at the memorial, among other senior military officers. Three helicopters in arrowhead formation—led by an advanced light helicopter and followed by two Cheetahs—showered floral petals on the memorial as a mark of respect.
The defence minister, who arrived in Dras on Saturday, was the chief guest at the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’—the wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony was marked by a somber atmosphere as the nation remembered the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers.
Shaurya Sandhya and Other Commemorative Events
On a rain-soaked evening in Dras on Saturday, the Army hosted a ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the war memorial, honouring the indomitable courage displayed by Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay in 1999. The event paid rich tributes to the fallen heroes. The defence minister participated in the solemn event and handed a ceremonial ‘kalash’ to some of the family members of Army personnel who laid down their lives in the Kargil conflict. The Army is hosting a series of events to mark the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay—India’s limited war after the neighbouring country’s infiltration.
The commemoration also included a motorcycle rally, the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, in which participants paid tribute to the heroes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the participants of the rally, underscoring the spirit of valour and patriotism.
Remembering Operation Vijay: India's Victory in 1999
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999, when Indian soldiers, braving snow-clad peaks and relentless fire from Pakistani troops, successfully reclaimed the heights of Kargil. The victory came after a intense conflict that lasted over two months, from May to July 1999. The day serves as a reminder of the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers and the indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces.
According to the defence ministry, the Kargil War Memorial in Dras stands as a symbol of national pride and a tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives defending the nation. The annual observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas reinforces the commitment to honour their memory and inspire future generations. The 27th anniversary was observed with full military honours, reflecting the gratitude of a grateful nation.
