Grand celebrations, tributes mark 25th anniv of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass

Grand celebrations, tributes mark 25th anniv of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass

Kargil, July 25: The 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated with grand celebrations and heartfelt tributes at Lamochen Viewpoint and Vishwanathan Stadium in Drass.
The event gathered gallantry awardees, next of kin (NoKs), Veer Naris, senior Army officials, and war veterans to honor the heroes of the Kargil War.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, was the chief guest on the occasion, and he honoured the war veterans, Veer Naris, and next of kin, acknowledging their immense contributions and sacrifices.
At Lamochen Viewpoint, the ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ and ‘Samman Samaroh’ ceremonies were highlighted by a stunning microlight flypast and a detailed battle briefing. Emotions ran high as war veterans recounted their experiences, vividly portraying the challenges and triumphs of the conflict. Distinguished guests, including former Army Chief Gen VP Malik and other senior Army officials, paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers.
Lieutenant General Mohinder Puri, who commanded the 8 Mountain Division during the Kargil War, remarked, “Today is a big day as 25 years have passed since the Kargil War. We have come here to pay tribute to our heroes. The locals of Kargil and Drass played a key role in the fight as they helped us.”
Reflecting on the improvements since the war, Gen Ved Prakash Malik (Retd.), Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War, stated, “There is a huge difference now. There were some weaknesses at that time; they (Pakistan) had entered into Indian territory. We have good surveillance devices and weapons now. The infrastructure has developed here, which helps in war.”
The celebrations continued at Vishwanathan Stadium in Drass, featuring vibrant cultural programs and thrilling performances by the Army Motorcycle Daredevils team. The event was a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.