Hails soldiers’ courage in Operation Vijay
New Delhi, July 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War reflects the country’s enduring resolve to respond with “full might” to any threat against its sovereignty, identity and national honour.
Speaking after flagging off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Singh said the victory remains a defining symbol of the courage, discipline and patriotism displayed by Indian soldiers under some of the world’s harshest combat conditions.
“The victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze upon our land, identity and honour,” the Defence Minister said.
He said Indian soldiers had written “a golden chapter of courage, patience, discipline and unmatched patriotism” during the Kargil conflict, adding that militaries across the world continue to study and respect their achievements.
Recalling the challenging conditions in which Operation Vijay was fought, Singh said the troops reclaimed every peak, hill and bunker from enemy control at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet and in temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees Celsius, safeguarding the honour of the Tricolour.
Paying tribute to the Kargil War heroes, he expressed gratitude to all soldiers who participated in the operation, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd). He said their courage continues to inspire the youth and future generations.
The Defence Minister flagged off the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a 1,900-km motorcycle expedition comprising 28 riders, including serving and retired defence personnel and their family members. The expedition will conclude at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on July 26, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas.
During the journey, the riders will pay homage at the Chandimandir, Rezang La and Leh war memorials and interact with Veer Naris in recognition of their courage and resilience.
An urn carrying sacred soil from the National War Memorial will also be taken to Dras and ceremonially offered at the Kargil War Memorial. Singh said the gesture symbolises the bond between the present generation and the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the war.
Highlighting the significance of the expedition, he said it brings together serving personnel, veterans and civilians from different parts of the country, reflecting India’s unity despite its diversity.
“Diverse backgrounds, languages and traditions, yet one Tricolour, one Nation, and a shared reverence for our heroes — this is the very identity of our country,” he said.
Expressing confidence that the expedition would inspire patriotism among the youth, Singh said it would reinforce the message that the defence of the nation’s freedom and honour depends not only on safeguarding the borders but also on preserving the memory and values of its brave soldiers.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, senior military officials and National Cadet Corps cadets attended the flag-off ceremony.
