On the occasion of 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in Dras that the intentions of the enemy have not changed, but the Indian Army is ready for every challenge. Paying tribute to the martyrs, he said that the government is committed to the modernization of the army.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that even though the intentions of the enemy have not changed and he is engaged in nefarious activities like proxy war and infiltration, the Indian Defense Forces are fully prepared to face any challenge.
Speaking during a commemoration event in Dras on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Rajnath Singh said, “Even though the enemy’s intentions have not changed and he is engaged in nefarious activities like proxy war and infiltration, the Indian Defense Forces are fully prepared to face any challenge.”
Army ready for every challenge: Rajnath Singh
Paying tribute to the brave soldiers who ensured India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil war, the Defense Minister said that the courage, determination and patriotism shown in the most difficult circumstances continues to inspire both the Army and the nation. Expressing confidence in the defense forces, Rajnath Singh said that as long as the patriotism and resolve of the country’s brave soldiers remains unwavering, no one can dare to cast an evil eye on India. He further said that their courage enables every citizen to pursue and realize their dreams without any fear.
According to the Defense Ministry, Rajnath Singh interacted with soldiers at ‘Barakhana’; He stressed that “we feel proud to remember the Kargil victory, but we must also remember that the challenges before us have not diminished.” He reiterated the commitment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government towards the welfare of soldiers and said that there is a continuous emphasis on defense modernization so that the Army can be equipped with world-class weapons and training.
Rajnath Singh lauded the defense forces for adopting the latest technologies and emphasized that their stories of valor and commitment are recognized not only at the national, but also at the global level. He said, “This century is ours; the future is ours. Given the progress we have made towards self-reliance, I am confident that in times to come our defense forces will become the best in the world.”
Grand event organized in Dras
The ‘Shaurya Bhoj’ event at the Vishwanathan Stadium also featured demonstrations of drones, robotic mules and Army martial arts routine drills, along with a cultural program showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Later, Rajnath Singh attended the Shaurya Bhoj along with Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinay Kumar Saxena, Chief of Army Staff General Dheeraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command Lieutenant General Prateek Sharma, other serving personnel, Kargil war veterans, gallantry award winners, brave women, families of heroes, civilian dignitaries and local citizens.
Tribute to martyrs in ‘Shaurya Sandhya’
Before the ‘Shaurya Bhoj’, Rajnath Singh participated in the ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial, where patriotic tunes set the stage for a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of ‘Operation Vijay’. Next of kin of 10 Kargil War heroes were honored in recognition of the courage, resilience and sacrifice of their families. An urn containing ‘soil of heroes’ was presented to Rajnath Singh. Inter-religious prayers presented by religious leaders were followed by solemn Beating Retreat ceremonies and the national anthem. After this, they lit lamps at the memorial in tribute to the soldiers who made supreme sacrifice during the war.
Heroes remembered in ‘war memoir’
The commemoration programs began with ‘War Reminiscence’ at Lamochen View Point, which was attended by Kargil War veterans, families of martyred soldiers and other dignitaries. The program featured the film ‘War Memoirs’ and a short video depicting the acts of extraordinary courage and valor of 40 heroes of ‘Operation Vijay’. The next of kin were honored, after which family members shared their fond memories of the soldiers.
The afternoon program at the Vishwanathan Stadium began with patriotic renditions by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Center Band. This was followed by a spectacular motorcycling display by the ‘Shwet Ashva’ team of the Corps of Military Police Center and School, which displayed precise riding, discipline and professional excellence. The students presented a vibrant national unity dance, and also showcased the growing integration of cutting-edge technologies by the Indian Army for operations at high altitude and challenging terrain. The program was followed by a ‘Victory Banquet’ which brought together dignitaries, veterans, serving personnel and families of heroes in the spirit of remembrance, gratitude and solidarity.
Tribute to 545 heroes
The festivities will culminate on July 26, when he will pay tribute to the heroes of ‘Operation Vijay’ on behalf of the nation during a ‘Tribute Ceremony’. The commemoration pays tribute to the 545 brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War: 537 soldiers of the Indian Army, 5 of the Indian Air Force (IAF), one of the Border Security Force (BSF) and two civilians whose supreme sacrifice ensured India’s victory and protected the territorial integrity of the nation. (ANI)
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