As India celebrates the Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the nation remembers the countless heroes that fought valiantly to safeguard India's territorial integrity.
July 26, marks a significant moment in India's history—the victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War. This day honors the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who defended the nation's sovereignty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Drass, Ladakh to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this historic event.
A series of activities have taken place over the past year, engaging the people of Jammu and Kashmir, school children, civil dignitaries, and ex-servicemen, to remember and thank the brave hearts who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.
To pay tribute to the soldiers and honour their valour and sacrifices, the Indian Army kicked off the Pan-India Motorcycle Expedition on June 12. It showcases significant contributions and honours the legacy of our brave soldiers. The expedition acts as a “symbol of the enduring spirit of the Indian Army.”
All about the heroes of 1999 ‘Operation Vijay’:
-Captain Anuj Nayyar: He was an Indian Army officer of the 17th Battalion, Jat Regiment, who laid down his life while battling at the Tiger Hill on July 7, 1999 during the Kargil War. Captain Nayyar was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exemplary valour during combat operations.
-Major Padmapani Acharya: Indian Army Major Padmapani Acharya of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, was killed by the enemy at Lone Hill on June 28, 1999, during the Kargil conflict. Major Acharya was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his heroic act of bravery despite succumbing to injuries.
-Captain N Kenguruse: He was an Indian Army officer of 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles. He was martyred at the Lone Hill, Drass Sector on June 28, 1999 in the Kargil War. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery at the battlefield.
-Vikram Batra: Captain Batra of 13th Jammu And Kashmir Rifles, was ordered to recapture the highest point on Tololing Ridge, peak 5140, where Pakistani invaders had taken positions in bunkers. He was martyred on July 26, 1999 while trying to rescue an injured soldier. The peak he died on, Point 4875, is now called 'Batra Top'. He was awarded with the Param Veer Chakra, the highest military honour.
-Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav: Part of the Commando 'Ghatak' Platoon given the task to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill, Grenadier Yadav, 18 Grenadiers, was leading the assault and climbing the cliff face. He was fixing ropes for the rest of the platoon. He was awarded the highest military honour in India, Param Vir Chakra, for his 4 July 1999 action during the Kargil War.
-Rifleman Sanjay Kumar: Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of 13 Jammu And Kashmir rifles was the leading Scout of the team entrusted with capturing Area Flat Top, which was being held by enemy. He was shot in the chest and forearm but sustained the attack despite bleeding profusely. Charged by his act of daredevilry, the rest of the platoon attacked the enemy bunkers and captured Area flat Top. Rifleman Kumar was awarded with Param Vir Chakra.
-Naik Digendra Kumar: He served the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles during the 1999, Kargil War before retiring on July 31, 2005. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra on 15th August 1999, for his heroism in the battlefield.
-Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey: Captain Pandey of 1st Battalion, Gorkha Rifles, participated in a series of boldly led attacks during 'Operation Vijay' and forced back the intruders from the Batalik sector on June 11, 1999. His leadership led to the capture of Jaubar Top and Khalubar on early hours of July 3, 1999. Pandey succumbed to his injuries on the hilltop and was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra.
-Major Vivek Gupta: Major Gupta of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, died in the Kargil conflict on June 12, 1999, after capturing two important posts in the Drass sector. He was felicitated with Maha Vir Chakra for his heroism at the war front.
-Colonel Sonam Wangchuk: Colonel Wangchuk was an Indian Army officer serving the Ladakh scouts regiment. In the 1999 Kargil War, then Major Wangchuk led an operation against Pakistani troops on Chorbat La Top, for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
-Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum: Lieutenant Nongrum of the 12th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, attained martyrdom on July 1st, 1999 while capturing Point 4812 during the Kargil War. He was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra for his chivalry in the combat operations.
-Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav: Part of the Commando 'Ghatak' Platoon given the task to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill, Grenadier Yadav, 18 Grenadiers, was leading the assault and climbing the cliff face. He was fixing ropes for the rest of the platoon. He was awarded the highest military honour in India, Param Vir Chakra, for his action during the Kargil War.
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