General Upendra Dwivedi paid heartfelt tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Kargil War, lauding their unwavering courage and sacrifice. He reflected on the Indian Army’s historic victory in 1999 and its resolute defence of national sovereignty during recent Operation Sindoor.
Emphasising that India seeks peace but will respond decisively to provocation, he highlighted the Army’s successful, precise operations against terror infrastructure without civilian harm.
The COAS outlined the Army’s transformation into a future-ready force through ‘Rudra’ all arms brigades, ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions, ‘Shaktibaan’ artillery regiments and ‘Divyastra’ batteries, drone-equipped infantry battalions, and indigenous air defence systems.
He also praised the Army’s role in national building, especially in border infrastructure, tourism, economy and veteran welfare affirming the soldier’s enduring role in building Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Calling upon youth to serve the nation with honesty and dedication, he closed with a resolute commitment to safeguarding India’s unity, sovereignty, and honour.
The main event commenced with the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour & Employment and Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports; Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence; Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh; and General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs. They were joined by senior military officials, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, and families of the fallen. The haunting notes of the “Last Post” reverberated through the valley, evoking powerful emotions and remembrance.
Earlier in the morning, the rugged high altitude town of Dras, forever etched in India’s memory for the valorous battles of 1999, came alive as Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and MoS Defence Sanjay Seth led a solemn ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’, retracing the steps of history with a thousand-strong crowd of youth, soldiers, and citizens.
Organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the padyatra was a stirring tribute to India’s victory in the Kargil War and the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.