Kargil (Ladakh) [India], July 26 : On the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, emotional memories, patriotic fervour, and a unique tribute marked the solemn occasion at Drass in Kargil. As the nation remembered its brave soldiers, Air Force veteran Trilok, who served during the 1999 Kargil War, reflected on the sacrifices made and the advancements that have followed since then.
Speaking about his role during the war, Trilok said, "During 1999, I was in Ops, Srinagar for the Kargil War."
Reflecting on the toll of war, he shared, "At that time, there were a lot of casualties. In fact so many people lost their lives, some became disabled, some got shot. Seeing this, the mind felt very sad. It is a sad story. You have to witness it, then you will feel it."
When asked to compare the armed forces strength capabilities with that of 1999, he remarked, "Ajgajantar means rabbit, gaj means elephant, so there is so much difference. Earlier, it was not so much, now we have become very advanced, and it is very good. Now take the example of Op Sindoor...it is very high, there is no doubt about it."
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday paid tributes to the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War.
The commemorative event was held in Drass, Kargil, where both Union Ministers participated in a padyatra alongside locals and students, in a symbolic gesture of national unity and remembrance.
With Indian flags held high, the atmosphere reverberated with chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai." The padyatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and local residents, who walked together to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.
A cultural programme was also organised as part of the tribute, where students dressed in traditional attire performed on stage.
Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought at the Line of Control on the snow-clad peaks amid relentless enemy fire. On July 26, the Indian flag was once again soaring over the mountains of Ladakh due to the efforts of our armed forces.