Published by The Bharat Brief
Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas — a tribute to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who recaptured enemy-occupied peaks during the 1999 Kargil War. As we mark the 26th anniversary of this historic victory in 2025, the occasion was made even more special by General Upendra Dwivedi, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, who launched three meaningful initiatives in honor of Kargil’s fallen heroes.
These initiatives serve not just as memorials but also as powerful educational and inspirational tools aimed at instilling patriotism among India's youth and ensuring that the bravery of our soldiers is never forgotten.
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| Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi pays tribute at the Kargil War Memorial on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, at Drass in Kargil, on July 26, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI |
What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?
The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999, took place in the treacherous terrain of Drass, Kargil, and Batalik. Pakistani intruders had illegally occupied Indian military posts along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to a fierce military operation known as Operation Vijay.
After months of intense fighting, the Indian Armed Forces successfully reclaimed all the infiltrated positions, displaying unmatched valor and strategic brilliance. The war cost India the lives of 527 brave soldiers, whose courage is commemorated annually on July 26.
Drass War Memorial: The Heart of the Tribute
This year’s central event took place at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh. Gen Dwivedi laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and paid solemn respects to the martyrs. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as the names of the fallen echoed across the mountains they once defended.
In his speech, General Dwivedi emphasized,
“Our martyrs are not just names etched in stone, but stories of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice that must be passed on to every Indian generation.”
The Three Projects Launched by Gen Dwivedi
To ensure that the legacy of the Kargil martyrs lives on, Gen Dwivedi unveiled the following three initiatives:
1. Shaurya Sthal – Digital War Memorial
This is a first-of-its-kind virtual memorial, which will compile the stories, photographs, citations, and personal accounts of all Indian Army martyrs — especially those from the Kargil War. Accessible via a dedicated portal and mobile app, Shaurya Sthal invites families and citizens to contribute and learn about the sacrifices made.
2. Operation Vijay Documentary Series
Produced in collaboration with Doordarshan and National Geographic India, this 10-episode series will narrate untold stories from the frontlines — interviews with surviving soldiers, family members of martyrs, and commanders who led key operations. The aim is to reach millions of Indians and give them a deeper understanding of the war’s human side.
3. Kargil Youth Cadet Program (KYCP)
This youth outreach initiative will focus on border area students in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It includes career counselling, motivational talks by war veterans, basic military training, and exposure visits to Army bases — designed to inspire a sense of duty and pride in the Armed Forces.
Nation Pays Tribute
Tributes poured in from all quarters. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared emotional messages acknowledging the bravery of the Kargil warriors.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of India’s strength, unity, and unbreakable spirit. We bow to our bravehearts,” tweeted PM Modi.
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