To commemorate 26 years of India’s triumph in the 1999 Kargil War, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ in Dras under the banner of MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat). The tribute walk was led by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. Over 3,000 youth volunteers joined veterans, serving armed forces personnel, families of martyrs and civil society members in a symbolic 1.5-kilometre march from Himabass Public High School to Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet.
The padyatra featured cultural performances that showcased the traditions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, reinforcing the unity and diversity of the region. Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya described Kargil as a living symbol of India’s resilience and unwavering spirit, stating that India remains united and unshaken in the face of threats to its sovereignty. He called upon the youth to dedicate themselves to building a strong, self-reliant India driven by the ethos of ‘Nation First’.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Sando Top, Mandaviya emphasized that India has never initiated conflict but responds with courage, dignity and determination when provoked. He cited Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor as milestones in India’s military history and reaffirmed the armed forces’ role as guardians of national pride and sovereignty. He urged the Amrit Peedhi to embrace Jan Bhagidari in Rashtranirman and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Seth praised the enthusiasm of the youth and highlighted the sacrifices of the armed forces, encouraging students to imbibe discipline and national pride inspired by the Kargil heroes. Following the padyatra, both ministers and 100 MY Bharat youth volunteers offered floral tributes at the Kargil War Memorial. Mandaviya also felicitated 26 female bikers from the Shakti Udgosh Foundation who completed a long-distance motorbike rally in honor of the martyrs.
The event included a symbolic tree plantation under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, linking patriotic commitment with environmental stewardship. Leading up to the padyatra, MY Bharat mobilized youth and communities through essay writing, painting, elocution contests and Yuva Samvads in surrounding villages to promote civic consciousness and emotional connection with the armed forces.
The commemoration underscored the enduring legacy of the Kargil War and the role of youth in carrying forward the dreams of India’s brave soldiers. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering national unity, public participation and youth-led development through such initiatives.
