Introduction: A Day of National Pride
Today, India celebrates the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a proud day in our nation’s history. This day reminds us of the brave soldiers who, in 1999, climbed snow-covered mountains in Ladakh to push back enemy forces and reclaim Indian land. Despite harsh conditions, freezing winds, and enemy fire, our troops stood firm. They did not let anything stop them from raising the Indian flag once again on the peaks of Kargil.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is more than just a date. It is a celebration of unity, bravery, and patriotism. It reminds every Indian of the sacrifice and courage shown by our soldiers to protect the nation.
What Was the Kargil War?
The Kargil War began in May 1999. Pakistani soldiers secretly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and captured high-altitude Indian posts in areas like Dras, Batalik, and Kaksar. Their main aim was to cut off National Highway 1A, which connects Srinagar to Leh – an important lifeline for Ladakh.
India responded with Operation Vijay, a massive military mission to drive out the intruders. The Indian Army and Air Force worked together in difficult terrain and extreme cold. The soldiers climbed steep mountains under enemy fire. They moved slowly but with strong determination. Within two months, every enemy position was cleared, and the land was reclaimed.
Stories of Courage: The Heroes of Kargil
Many soldiers showed extraordinary bravery during the Kargil War. Some of them were just in their twenties, but their courage was beyond words. Their actions gave us back our land and made them national heroes.
- Captain Vikram Batra of 13 JAK Rifles became a symbol of the war. After capturing Point 5140, he gave the famous radio message “Yeh Dil Maange More.” He was later martyred while capturing Point 4875 but inspired an entire generation with his bravery.
- Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey of 11 Gorkha Rifles led his men in the Batalik sector. Though injured, he destroyed several enemy bunkers before he died. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
- Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, part of the 18 Grenadiers, climbed a vertical cliff under heavy fire during the battle of Tiger Hill. He kept fighting even after getting shot multiple times. He survived and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
- Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of 13 JAK Rifles fought alone to destroy enemy bunkers and used the enemy’s own weapon to defeat them. He too received the Param Vir Chakra.
- Captain Anuj Nayyar, Major Rajesh Adhikari, Lieutenant Clifford Nongrum, Major Vivek Gupta, and Captain Vijyant Thapar are some of the many other heroes who laid down their lives for the country. Their stories continue to inspire all Indians.
Special Initiatives in 2025: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
To mark the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army launched several programmes across the country:
- Tololing Expedition: On 11 June 2025, 30 soldiers from the original Kargil units climbed Tololing Peak, retracing the historic path. Officers from the Air Force also joined. This expedition was a tribute to the fallen and a way to keep their memory alive.
- Mountain Bicycle Expedition: Starting from Siachen Base Camp on 25 June and ending at Kargil War Memorial on 12 July, 20 soldiers covered 680 km across tough terrains. Along the way, they visited schools and met over 1,100 students. They shared stories of Kargil’s heroes and encouraged youth to serve the country.
- Gun Hill Expedition: On 7 July 2025, 87 soldiers, including 20 artillerymen, climbed Gun Hill (Point 5140) – a vital peak in the war. Veterans who fought in 1999 also joined. This showed the strong bond between past and present generation of soldiers.
- Nationwide Outreach Drive: The Army started a special drive to visit the families of the 545 Kargil martyrs. Teams reached homes across 25 states, 2 Union Territories, and Nepal. They gave mementos and listened to the families. This emotional gesture showed that the country still remembers and respects its heroes.
From Kargil to Now: India’s Stronger Defence
The Kargil War changed the way India looked at national security. Since 1999, many reforms have taken place:
- India created the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to improve coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Indigenous defence manufacturing has increased, making India more self-reliant.
- Modern technologies like drones, cyber security, and net-centric warfare are now part of India’s military system.
The recent Operation SINDOOR in May 2025, launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam, showed India’s new defence posture. Without crossing borders, India struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir using advanced drones and air defence systems. Over 100 terrorists were neutralised, and every attempt by Pakistan to retaliate was intercepted by Indian systems. This shows that India is ready, prepared, and determined to protect its people.
Saluting the Spirit of Kargil
Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that freedom comes with a price – a price paid by brave hearts who gave up everything for the nation. It is not just a day to remember the past but a day to learn and move forward with the same courage and unity.
India today stands stronger, more secure, and more confident. The stories of Kargil’s heroes are part of our national identity. They inspire students, soldiers, and citizens alike. As we mark 26 years of victory, we honour their memory and promise to keep their legacy alive.
The Tricolour that flew high over Tiger Hill in 1999 still flutters proudly today – a symbol of every Indian’s respect for the brave, and a promise that the spirit of Kargil will live on, forever.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: A Tribute to India’s Brave Soldiers
Today, India celebrates the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day to remember the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War. Pakistani soldiers had captured key mountain posts in Ladakh. In response, India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the territory. Despite extreme weather and enemy fire, Indian soldiers showed unmatched bravery and successfully won back the peaks.
Heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed exceptional courage. Many of them were martyred, but their bravery earned them the Param Vir Chakra and national pride.
To mark this special day in 2025, the Indian Army launched several tributes:
- Tololing Expedition by original Kargil units.
- Mountain Bicycle Ride from Siachen to Kargil, spreading awareness among students.
- Gun Hill Climb with veterans and current soldiers.
- Outreach to 545 martyr families across India and Nepal to honour their sacrifice.
The Kargil War changed India’s defence approach. The post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was created for better coordination. India now focuses more on self-reliant defence production and modern warfare technologies.
Recently, Operation Sindoor showed India’s enhanced readiness, where Indian forces neutralised terrorists without crossing borders, using drones and air power.
Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that freedom comes with a price. As we salute the brave, we promise to protect their legacy and keep the spirit of Kargil alive—forever proud, forever grateful.