India celebrates its 20th anniversary of victory in ‘Operation Vijay’, also known as the ‘Kargil War’ this year. The Kargil War is a saga of intense political, military and strategic actions. The Army declared that “the nation will observe the 20th anniversary of victory in the Kargil War with pride, honour and inspiration”.
Twenty years ago, India emerged victorious in the Kargil conflict with Pakistan. To commemorate India’s win in the war, every year, Nation observes the Kargil Vijay Divas. The Indian soldiers had secured this triumph following a three-month conflict. Both sides had to suffer the loss, with the Indian Army losing 490 officers, soldiers, and jawans.
‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’, are to be the theme to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the victory. “We ‘remember’ our martyrs, by revisiting the sacrifices and instilling pride and respect among us, we ‘rejoice’ by celebrating the victory in Kargil and we ‘renew’ our resolve to safeguard the honour of the tricolour,” the military responded.
Nation will witness the ceremonial function at the Kargil-Dras sector and in New Delhi today. Every year, the Prime Minister of India pays respect to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Tributes are being organised Nationwide to glorify the contribution of armed force.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday lit a ‘Victory Flame’ at the National War Memorial. According to the Army, a team of motorcyclists will carry the ‘Victory Flame’ over 11 towns and cities. The Victory Flame will finally merge with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.
The gits, guts and glory displayed by the martyrs have been an inspiration for the design of the torch. The torch symbolising the determination of the war heroes is out of Copper, brass and wood.
