As the nation marks the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army commemorated it with solemnity, pride, and nationwide participation, honouring the valour and supreme sacrifice of soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War. The central event was held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras over two days and was graced by 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, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The occasion witnessed tributes by senior military and civil dignitaries, the lighting of 545 lamps in memory of fallen heroes, and the felicitation of Veer Naris and Next of Kin. In a poignant gesture of inclusion, the Army reached out to families of all 545 martyrs across India and Nepal. The COAS General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated legacy projects including the Indus Viewpoint, e-Shradhanjali portal, and a QR-based Audio Gateway. A Capability Display showcased cutting-edge indigenous technologies in mobility, surveillance, and firepower, underscoring the Army's drive towards modernisation and self-reliance. Cultural performances, religious prayers, and interactive outreach programmes reflected the nation's undying gratitude and deep emotional connect with its soldiers.

25 July 2025 - Battle Remembrance and Shaurya Sandhya

The commemorative events began with a Battle Briefing and Remembrance Ceremony at Lamochen Viewpoint in Dras. Overlooking the same peaks where the Kargil conflict was fought, veterans and serving personnel recounted their experiences, supported by a stirring audio-visual presentation that brought to life the stories of sacrifice, courage, and resilience.

Following the ceremony, Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Next of Kins of Kargil heroes in presence of Hon'ble Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth, in a special interaction acknowledging their unwavering courage and sacrifice. The dignitaries also participated in Vijay Bhoj, a commemorative community meal, symbolising unity and gratitude. The day also witnessed enthusiastic regional and cultural performances by soldiers, NCC cadets, and students from Army Goodwill Public Schools, adding vibrant patriotic fervour to the occasion. A highlight of the event was a niche technology demonstration showcasing swarm drones, logistics drones and FPV drones, underlining the Army's integration of cutting-edge solutions into operational scenarios in high-altitude terrain.

Later that evening, the 'Shaurya Sandhya' programme was held at the Kargil War Memorial as a moving tribute to the fallen. The event began with 'Gaurav Gatha', performed by the Army band, narrating tales of heroism through music. Five religious teachers representing all major faiths offered prayers for the departed souls, symbolising national unity in remembrance. A total of 545 lamps were lit, each representing a soldier who laid down his life in Operation Vijay.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening was the Felicitation Ceremony where the Next of Kin of nine Bravehearts were honoured by Lt General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command. The event was attended by over 400 distinguished guests, including civil and military dignitaries, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, and local citizens, all gathered to express collective gratitude.

26 July 2025 - Kargil Vijay Diwas

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.

In his keynote address, 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.

Legacy Projects Inaugurated by COAS

General Upendra Dwivedi, inaugurated the following:

• Indus View Point: Located in the Batalik sector, it offers a view of the Indus River entering Pakistan-occupied Baltistan, promoting Battle Area Tourism.
• e-Shradhanjali Portal: Enables citizens to pay tributes to Kargil martyrs virtually, fostering nationwide participation.
• QR-Based Audio Gateway: A tech-enabled narrative platform at the War Memorial that provides historical insights through digital devices. He also conferred COAS Commendation Cards to selected personnel and interacted with troops, Veer Naris, and families of the martyrs, expressing the Army's continued commitment to their welfare.

Honouring Legacy: Outreach and Community Engagement

Several landmark initiatives were undertaken this year:

• Special Outreach Drive: 37 Indian Army teams visited the Next of Kin of all 545 Bravehearts across 27 States, two Union Territories, and Nepal. The gesture brought solace and rekindled pride among the families.
• #OnThisDay Campaign: Recreated major battles of the Kargil War through digital storytelling to spread awareness among the youth.
• Adventure and Cultural Activities: Organised across Kargil, Dras, and Batalik sectors, drawing enthusiastic participation from locals, students, veterans, and community members.

Capability Display: Tech-Driven Transformation

Coinciding with the solemn commemorations, the Indian Army conducted a Capability Display showcasing its strides in modernisation and operational readiness, particularly for high-altitude warfare. Under the theme "Tech Absorption: Imbibe, Innovate, Integrate," the demonstration highlighted advancements in mobility, surveillance, firepower, and infantry systems.

As the sun set behind the rugged peaks of Dras, the Kargil War Memorial glowed in the hues of the Tricolour, standing tall as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice. The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was not just a tribute to history but a reaffirmation that the spirit of the soldier lives eternally in the soul of the Nation.

"A Grateful Nation Carves Its Heroes in Memory, Not Just in Stone."