Kargil Vijay Diwas: From Dras To Delhi, Nation Pays Tribute To 1999 War Heroes With Ceremonies
India came together on Friday to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, a solemn and powerful tribute to the valor, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of its armed forces during the 1999 Kargil War. From the icy heights of Dras to ceremonial halls in the capital, the nation remembered the brave soldiers who reclaimed Indian territory with unmatched courage, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Tributes From Across The Nation
Top political leaders, military officials, and citizens united in expressing their gratitude. President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to the “extraordinary valor” of the armed forces, saying their supreme sacrifice will forever inspire the people of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the soldiers’ "unparalleled courage" and said their “passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation.”
Modi said: "Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!"
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the “timeless reminder” of grit and heroism displayed in the most difficult terrain, reaffirming India’s eternal gratitude.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended tributes to soldiers and veterans, noting their “unflinching courage and valour” as a legacy for future generations. Kharge said, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind."
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed the nation's pride, commending the soldiers who “dealt a body blow” to the enemy and safeguarded the honour of Maa Bharti.
"Our adversaries will continue to test our resolve, but the legacy of Kargil reminds us that our jointness, preparedness and unwavering courage have proven once again by the success of Operation Sindoor, will always triumph over enemy's deceit and aggression," Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff.
The Indian Air Force, in a statement, remembered the “valiant warriors” and said their legacy lives on in the collective memory of the nation. Indian Air Force tweeted, "The Indian Air Force pays heartfelt tribute to the valiant Warriors of the Kargil War. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire a nation united in gratitude."
Ground-Level Tributes
In Dras, Kargil, the heart of the battlefield, families of martyrs gathered at the Kargil War Memorial, laying wreaths and finding their loved ones’ names etched in granite. Quiet reflection gave way to heartfelt pride as the stories of sacrifice echoed once again.
A Padyatra, led by Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth, saw participation from over 1,000 youth volunteers, veterans and armed forces personnel. The solemn walk concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony and the felicitation of 26 women bikers who completed a tribute rally. Aligned with the spirit of sustainable patriotism, a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was held—blending the memory of fallen heroes with the promise of a greener future.
In Varanasi, a symbolic tree plantation drive was organized by the Green Peace Nature Foundation in partnership with the 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (39 Gorkha Rifles). Each sapling planted served as a living tribute to those who fell in battle, linking environmental care with national remembrance.
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