India today marked the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying heartfelt tributes to the valiant soldiers of the Kargil War of 1999 who laid down their lives defending the nation.
The day commemorates the success of Operation Vijay, a mission led by the Indian Army to recapture the strategic peaks infiltrated by Pakistani troops in the Kargil-Dras sector of Ladakh.
🕯️ Ceremonies Held at Kargil War Memorial, Dras
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other top military officials in attendance.
PM Narendra Modi, who could not attend in person, tweeted:
“On #KargilVijayDiwas, we remember our brave heroes who fought with unmatched courage. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Jai Hind!”
💬 Nationwide Tributes and School Programs
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Schools, colleges, and military institutions across India observed two minutes of silence, held patriotic programs, and organized Kargil Diwas parades.
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Social media was flooded with hashtags like #KargilVijayDiwas, #IndianArmy, and #JaiJawan.
🪖 About the Kargil War
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Fought between May–July 1999, the Kargil War was a high-altitude conflict between India and Pakistan in the Ladakh region.
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Over 500 Indian soldiers were martyred, including Captain Vikram Batra, Major Manoj Pandey, and Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, who were later awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
🗣️ Quotes that Echo in Every Indian Heart
“Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolor, or I will come back wrapped in it.” – Capt. Vikram Batra, PVC
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
📍 Important Locations Remembered Today
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Tololing Hill
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Tiger Hill
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Dras War Memorial
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Batalik Sector
🎖️ How Citizens Can Pay Tribute Today
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Light a candle or diya at home at 8 PM.
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Share a post about a Kargil hero with #KargilVijayDiwas2025.
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Watch war documentaries or visit war memorials if nearby.
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Write a message of gratitude to soldiers via the Maa Tujhe Salaam portal (by Ministry of Defence).
