Drass: More than 1,000 youth, war veterans, and civil society members came together for a powerful tribute march in Drass as part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 commemorations.
The event reflected the spirit of unity and patriotism as Union Ministers and dignitaries engaged with the younger generation to honour the sacrifice of Kargil war heroes and inspire a commitment to national service.
The commemorative events began at the Old Horse Polo Ground in Bhimbhat, where Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, interacted with Yuva Bharat Volunteers, NSS and NCC cadets, school and college students, local officials, and officers.
He was joined by Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, and Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya called upon the youth to dedicate themselves to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, carrying forward the values of courage and patriotism. Recalling his visit to Tiger Hill the previous evening, he described a young soldier standing guard as a symbol of India’s determination. “We never initiate conflict, but if challenged, we respond with strength and dignity,” he said, reaffirming India’s defence policy.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth praised the bravery of the armed forces and encouraged the youth to uphold discipline and national pride. He urged them to take inspiration from the courage of the Kargil martyrs.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra was flagged off from Himabass School Bhimbhat by Surekha Mahdukar Patil, sister of Kargil martyr Naik Mahadev Namdev Patil, accompanied by her husband. The symbolic march drew a massive turnout, with over 1,000 participants including students, NCC cadets, veterans, and residents.
The day’s celebrations continued at the Kargil War Memorial with wreath-laying ceremonies, cultural performances, and emotional interactions between dignitaries and the families of the martyrs, reinforcing the nation’s unwavering gratitude for their sacrifice.
