Remembering Kargil heroes on Kargil Diwas 2025 [In Pics]
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War in 1999. On this day, India remembers the soldiers who lost their lives defending the nation’s borders.
Captain Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) Captain Vikram Batra became the face of fearless bravery during the Kargil War. Known for his battle cry, “Yeh Dil Maange More!”, he led the charge to recapture Point 5140. Even after being wounded, he pressed on, later sacrificing his life while rescuing a fellow officer. His courage earned him the Param Vir Chakra and the eternal gratitude of a nation.
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Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra Just 19 at the time, Yogendra Singh Yadav displayed unmatched valour during the assault on Tiger Hill. Despite multiple bullet injuries, he climbed a vertical cliff under heavy fire and neutralized enemy bunkers, enabling his platoon to capture the peak. He survived against all odds and became the youngest living recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
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Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) A true soldier at heart, Captain Manoj Pandey had once declared, “If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death.” He fulfilled his pledge at Khalubar by leading a daring assault under intense enemy fire. Severely wounded, he continued fighting until he succumbed — leaving behind a legacy of unmatched heroism.
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Lieutenant Balwan Singh, Maha Vir Chakra Fresh into service, Lieutenant Balwan Singh led the Ghatak platoon in a courageous mission to capture Tiger Hill. Facing freezing temperatures, steep climbs, and relentless gunfire, he and his team surprised the enemy and secured a critical victory. His grit and leadership earned him the Mahavir Chakra.
Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous) Major Rajesh Adhikari led his troops bravely in the battle for Tololing. Refusing evacuation despite severe injuries, he fought on to ensure the strategic post was secured. His unflinching courage and selflessness became a shining example of officer leadership in combat.
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Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, Param Vir Chakra Rifleman Sanjay Kumar charged alone toward an enemy bunker during the assault on Point 4875. Shot twice in the chest, he continued the assault, killed three soldiers in close combat, and captured the enemy's machine gun to continue the attack. For his raw, almost superhuman bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
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Major Vivek Gupta, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous) Major Vivek Gupta was the commanding officer of a critical assault on Tololing peak. He led from the front, eliminating enemies in face-to-face combat. Even after being mortally wounded, his leadership carried his company to victory. His sacrifice remains a solemn reminder of what it means to lead by example.
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Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous) Captain Kenguruse of Nagaland displayed extraordinary courage in the assault on Black Rock. Fighting barefoot for better grip, he climbed a steep cliff and single-handedly destroyed enemy bunkers. Injured but undeterred, he fought hand-to-hand before falling. His tale remains one of the most inspiring from the North East.
Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous) Hailing from Shillong, Lt. Nongrum led a bold climb up vertical cliffs to attack Point 4812. Under continuous fire, he threw grenades into enemy bunkers, killing multiple soldiers. Refusing to back down even when wounded, he fought until his last breath, leaving behind a legacy that made Meghalaya proud.
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Havildar Digendra Kumar, Maha Vir Chakra Havildar Digendra Kumar played a key role in capturing Tololing by providing constant covering fire with his light machine gun. Even after being hit, he continued firing to protect his comrades and push back enemy attacks. His fearlessness and commitment earned him the Mahavir Chakra.
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Captain Amol Kalia (Vir Chakra) A dedicated officer from Punjab, Captain Amol Kalia fought bravely with just 13 soldiers against a fortified enemy position in the mountains. Despite being gravely wounded, he held his ground till the end, never giving up. His quiet strength and ultimate sacrifice reflect the deepest sense of duty.
