Who doesn’t know about the Kargil war and who doesn’t call the Kargil martyrs as heroes? 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India’s victory in ‘Operation Vijay’, commonly referred to as the ‘Kargil War’. The security forces of the country have planned a host of events across the country starting July 25 to celebrate this day and remember the war heroes.
As the day is observed with much fanfare every year on July 26, it is the 20th anniversary of India’s win over infiltrating Pakistani soldiers, making it even more special. Indian Armed Forces remember this victorious day and organize events at the Dras-Kargil sector every year while celebrations are also held in New Delhi at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate.
This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tributes on Twitter, in a show of solidarity with the martyrs. As he shared throwback images of his visit to Kargil during the war. Several Indians joined him in paying their respects to the war heroes, making Kargil Vijay Diwas trend on Twitter.
During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers.
This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&K as well as Himachal Pradesh.
The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/E5QUgHlTDS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2019
Initiatives in India to Celebrated Kargil Vijay Diwas:
- Military personnel, civilians, and celebrities alike have made special arrangements to make this day more memorable and pay their tributes to the over 500 Indian soldiers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
- Vicky Kaushal-starrer blockbuster movie Uri: The Surgical Strike will return to theatres once again on July 26. According to reports by media, the war-drama based on the surgical strikes conducted by our forces in 2016 will be showcased in 500 cinema halls across the country.
- According to a presser released by the Ministry of home affairs, the 20th anniversary of victory in ‘Operation Vijay’ will see Border Security Force personnel conducting activities involving the stakeholders of border areas. In the week-long programs planned thus, the family members of martyrs and gallantry award winners of all security forces residing in border areas will be felicitated.
- Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat also released a song to celebrate the 20th anniversary of victory in the Kargil War and remember the contributions of the brave officers and soldiers who fought the war. Lyricist Sameer wrote the song ‘Tujhe Bhulega Na Tera Hindustan’ and several Bollywood bigwigs are featured in the video.
- Apart from this, the Delhi-Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Express that was flagged off earlier in July was covered in vinyl wrappings of Indian Army men who fought in the Kargil conflict. A total of 10 trains depicting the same will be flagged off to mark the 20th anniversary.
