By M S Nazki
What is victory about? Vini, Vidi, Vinci (I came, I saw and I conquered)! This one is a tribute to the Indian Armed forces officers and soldiers who fought for the Nation!
-Special Outreach Programme has been initiated by the Indian Army for felicitating Next Of Kins of our bravehearts!
-The line was good enough to build up a story of sorts!
-Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually to commemorate the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay, when Indian forces reclaimed key positions in the Kargil-Siachen sector from Pakistani intruders.
– The war is remembered not only for its tactical and strategic surprises but also for the political restraint shown by limiting the conflict to the region and for the swift execution of a coordinated tri-services strategy.
-The Kargil War was a significant armed conflict between India and Pakistan and was named after the Kargil district, where most of the fighting took place. The conflict erupted when Pakistani troops, disguised as militants, intruded into Indian-controlled territory in the Kargil region, violating the Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the de facto border between India and Pakistan.
-The intrusion caught India by surprise, and a full-scale military response was initiated to evict the Pakistani intruders from the Indian side of the LoC. The conflict witnessed intense battles, with both sides engaging in fierce fighting in the rugged and mountainous terrain.
-The Indian armed forces, comprising the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy, displayed tremendous valor and determination during the war. Despite the challenging conditions and harsh weather, they succeeded in pushing back the Pakistani intruders and reclaiming the strategic high outposts that were occupied by the enemy.
-Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day of remembrance and celebration to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of the Indian armed forces. On this day, the nation pays tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the defense of the country.
-Various commemorative events, parades, and ceremonies are organized across India to express gratitude and respect to the heroes of the Kargil War.
-The main ceremony is held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Jammu and Kashmir, which is known as the “Vijaypath.” The memorial serves as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict and showcases their indomitable spirit and courage.
-During the commemorative events, senior military officials, political leaders, and dignitaries pay homage to the fallen soldiers and interact with the families of the martyrs.
-The day is also marked by cultural programs, seminars, and discussions, emphasizing the significance of national security and the role of the armed forces in protecting the nation.
-But this time it is different:
-The initiative will entail presentation of mementoes, letters of gratitude and spreading awareness on the benefits provided by Central and State Governments to the Next of Kins of the Brave Hearts who made the supreme sacrifice for our Motherland.
-The outreach is aimed to support families of our #Heroes and address their grievances and difficulties, if any. The Nation remains eternally indebted to the valiant families!
– Various programs have already been initiated! Sarhad Shauryathon 2025: In a powerful tribute to heroes of the Kargil War, Sarhad Shauryathon 2025 was held at Kargil War Memorial in Drass, here today attracting over 2,500 athletes from across the country.
-The high-altitude marathon was jointly organized by Indian Army, Sarhad Foundation, Pune and local civil administration of Kargil, as part of the pre-Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations. The event featured four race categories — 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and 3 km, turning Drass into a vibrant symbol of national pride, physical endurance and unity.
-The marathon was flagged off by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon and Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the 14 Corps.
-Winners were felicitated with medals and cash prizes by Shinde, who praised the large turnout and said it reflected the nation’s unshakable trust in the Indian Army, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He lauded the Army and Sarhad Foundation for promoting peace, patriotism, and tourism in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh through such initiatives!
-In a significant gesture, Shinde presented an Rs 3 crore cheque to Lt Gen Bhalla on behalf of the Maharashtra Government for the development and upgradation of the Kargil War Memorial. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he asserted that India had given a befitting reply to Pakistan.
-The occasion aims to celebrate the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of the brave hearts who defended India’s borders during the 1999 conflict.
This year’s commemoration promises to be more engaging, with events designed to reflect the patriotic, adventurous and cultural spirit of the Indian Army, especially in the challenging terrain of Western Ladakh. Activities are being planned to involve local communities and pay tribute to the heroes and major operations of the war.
A key highlight is the launch of a special outreach drive this week to honour the Next of Kin (NoK) of 545 Kargil War martyrs. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Indian Army teams will visit families across 25 states, two Union Territories, and Nepal. During the visits, representatives will carry a letter of gratitude from the Indian Army, a memento, and details of benefits provided by central and state governments. They will also collect feedback on any issues being faced by the families and offer support.
The Army also plans to collect war-related memorabilia from the families, which will be preserved at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, as a lasting tribute to their legacy. A process that has already begun!
The commemoration will culminate with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Dras memorial on July 26, 2025. The Indian Army’s tribute not only honours the past but is also intended to inspire present and future generations to uphold the values of service, courage, and sacrifice.
Yet another event was conducted and it was Tololing peak expedition ahead of 26 th Kargil Vijay Diwas: A team of 30 brave soldiers from various units that actively participated in the Battle of Tololing climbed the peak and hoisted the Tricolour, paying tribute to the heroes of Operation Vijay.
In a solemn tribute to the gallant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the historic Battle of Tololing in the 1999 Kargil War, the Indian Army’s “Forever in Operations Division” conducted a commemorative expedition to Tololing Peak on 11 June 2025.
The Indian Air Force also supported this endeavor, with officers and airmen participating, exemplifying the synergy and joint-manship that define the Indian Armed Forces.
As the nation looks forward to the 26th anniversary of Operation Vijay, this expedition stands as a poignant reminder of the valor, patriotism, and selfless service that epitomize the Indian Armed Forces.
This expedition is more than just an adventure; it is a journey of remembrance, reflection, and reverence, intended to inspire future generations with the stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped our nation’s history.
The Army described the Kargil War as “a saga of strong political, military, and diplomatic actions.”
-Army organizes Batalik cricket league to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas: In Ladakh, Indian Army organized the Batalik Cricket League at Jubar Stadium, Batalik, as part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 celebrations, promoting sports, youth engagement, and local economic development.
13 teams participated in the tournament, divided into 4 pools. In the highlight match of the finale day, Batalik A triumphed over Darchiks A by 47 runs, scoring 86 runs in the first innings while Darchiks A managed only 39 Runs.
Deputy Commander 192 Mountain Brigade, Col. Dinesh Singh Tanwar, and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kargil, Dr. Kacho Liyaqat Ali Khan, attended as Chief Guests.
In a unique initiative, the Indian Army procured locally made Ladakhi Willow cricket bats from Maryul Willow, a young entrepreneur from Hanu, promoting local artisans and self-reliance as Trophy for the teams.
Col. Dinesh Singh Tanwar announced plans for a district-level Sherquilla Cricket League next month at the same venue, emphasizing sports as a tool for youth engagement and tourism promotion.
The Batalik Cricket League has set a new benchmark for youth empowerment, local business support, and tourism development. The captain of the winning team, Maqbool Hussain, thanked the Indian Army for organizing the event, which has inspired the youth of the Batalik Sector.
2nd Naga organized a bike expedition in the North-East to celebrate Vijay Divas!
So the celebrations are on in a big way and we all Indians have to be big participants because most of us have some or the other kith and kin of ours in the Indian Armed Forces! That is the last from us for today because tomorrow approaches faster than usual!
