Nation Honors Heroes on 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas

As India commemorates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, families and veterans pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Kargil War Memorial enhances the significance of the occasion.

As India celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers from the 1999 Kargil War are remembered by their families and veterans. Subedar Major (Honorary Capt) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd.), a Param Vir Chakra awardee, expressed national pride for the fallen heroes.

'Today the people of the country are proud of the soldiers who laid their lives for the country,' Yadav noted. 'We have gathered at the memorial in Drass to honor these brave soldiers.' Subedar Major RT Rais Ahmed, who joined the Indian Army in 1997, also paid homage to the martyrs and highlighted the strengthening of the Army over time.

Honoring the occasion, Chief Petty Officer Radio IND Navy Veteran Anant Joshi emphasized the importance of the anniversary and the sacrifices of 527 soldiers. 'The younger generation should learn from this history,' he said. Eshanika, daughter of an Army officer, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending the event, calling him a role model. Tashi Namgyal, who first spotted Pakistani intruders, recounted his experience.

In Kargil, security measures were heightened ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Kargil War Memorial. Modi is scheduled to pay homage to the martyrs and initiate the Shinkun La Tunnel Project virtually. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay, marking India's triumph in reclaiming strategic positions from Pakistani forces in 1999.

(With inputs from agencies.)