India marked the 26th anniversary of its victory in the Kargil War with solemnity and national pride, as the Indian Army orchestrated a two-day tribute at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. The ceremony, steeped in reverence and inclusion, paid homage to the courage of 545 fallen soldiers whose sacrifices continue to shape India’s defense ethos. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports; Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence; Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh; and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), led the commemorations attended by distinguished military and civil dignitaries, families of martyrs and citizens from across the country.
The central tribute was symbolized by the lighting of 545 lamps—each an eternal flame for a life laid down in Operation Vijay. The Army’s outreach to every martyr’s kin, including families in Nepal, reflected a personal and national commitment to remembrance. The COAS inaugurated legacy projects including Indus View Point in Batalik for strategic tourism, the e-Shradhanjali portal for virtual tributes, and a QR-based Audio Gateway to narrate battlefield history digitally.
On July 25, commemorations began with a Battle Briefing at Lamochen View Point, overlooking the very ridgelines once contested. Veterans and serving personnel recounted war memories amplified by a moving audio-visual chronicle. Dr Mandaviya and Shri Seth jointly felicitated the Next of Kin of martyrs, followed by the symbolic Vijay Bhoj—an inclusive meal honoring shared sacrifice. Cultural performances by NCC cadets, Army Goodwill School students and soldiers infused patriotic vigor. A standout technology display featured swarm drones, logistics drones and FPV drones, demonstrating operational readiness in high-altitude conflict.
The evening unfolded with ‘Shaurya Sandhya,’ where the Army band’s ‘Gaurav Gatha’ musically recounted tales of heroism. Religious prayers by faith leaders reaffirmed unity in remembrance, and the lighting of 545 lamps underscored the depth of tribute. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command, honored Next of Kin of nine Kargil heroes, joined by over 400 guests comprising civil and military dignitaries, Veer Naris, Veer Matas and locals.
The July 26 Wreath Laying Ceremony brought the nation to attention as COAS General Dwivedi led tributes alongside ministers and families. His keynote praised the valor of India’s soldiers and reiterated the Army’s peace-first doctrine—tempered by resolute retaliation when provoked. He referenced the recent Operation Sindoor as an example of precision against terror infrastructure, asserting India’s commitment to defend sovereignty without civilian harm.
General Dwivedi outlined the transformation of the Army into a future-ready force: Rudra all-arms brigades, Bhairav light commando battalions, Shaktibaan artillery regiments, Divyastra batteries, drone-enabled infantry units and indigenous air defense systems. He emphasized the Army’s broader role in national development—border infrastructure, tourism, economy and veteran welfare—integral to building Viksit Bharat by 2047. He called upon the youth to uphold national unity, honesty and service.
Capability displays under the theme “Tech Absorption: Imbibe, Innovate, Integrate” showcased indigenous advances in surveillance, mobility and infantry systems designed for harsh terrain. Community outreach initiatives included recreation of major battles through the #OnThisDay campaign and adventure-culture activities across the region. Army teams personally visited families of all martyrs across 27 States, two Union Territories and Nepal, reaffirming the enduring emotional bond between soldier and citizen.
As twilight descended on the peaks of Dras, the War Memorial bathed in the Tricolour stood as a sentinel to memory and valor. The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was not merely ceremonial—it was an affirmation that the soul of the Indian soldier breathes through every inch of national soil.
A grateful nation carves its heroes in memory, not just in stone.
