Marking the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, families of martyred soldiers and thousands of young volunteers gathered at the Drass War Memorial in Ladakh to pay heartfelt tributes to the bravehearts who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War.
The commemorative event, held in Drass town, witnessed an overwhelming turnout as family members of fallen soldiers solemnly walked up to the memorial to offer floral tributes, remembering the courage and sacrifice of their loved ones.
Union Ministers Sanjay Seth and Mansukh Mandaviya joined the padyatra organised by MyBharat volunteers to honour the martyrs. Over 3,000 volunteers, including youth from Leh, Kargil, Drass, and Kashmir, participated in the 1.5-kilometre march, which began at Himabass Public High School and concluded at Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet.
The event also included a tree plantation drive under the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, adding a symbolic gesture of life and remembrance to the day’s proceedings.
“On the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, more than 3,000 youth joined the padyatra to honour our soldiers’ supreme sacrifice. This shows the deep commitment of our younger generation towards a developed and respectful India,” said Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, adding that over 1.8 crore youth have now registered on the MyBharat platform.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to mark the success of Operation Vijay, through which India reclaimed key positions from Pakistani intruders in the treacherous terrain of Kargil in 1999. The war stands as a testament to India’s strategic acumen, military grit, and the unflinching bravery of its soldiers.