Vidushi Gaur/New Delhi

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day of remembrance and pride for India as the nation honors the bravery and dedication of its soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War. Families of the fallen soldiers, along with political leaders and the public, are paying tributes to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

Madhubala, widow of Kargil hero Vinod Kumar, expressed her pride and sorrow, recounting their brief marriage before his untimely death. Rajender Kumar, brother of another hero, Bejender Kumar, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the pride and daily remembrance of his brother’s sacrifice.

Prashanti, wife of Group Captain K Nachiketa Rao, recalled the harrowing days of praying for his return from captivity in Pakistan. Nachiketa Rao, a fighter pilot captured during the war, was later released and returned home safely. Prashanti highlighted the pride she feels in his bravery and the rare opportunity to survive such an ordeal and share his story.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the Kargil War Memorial today to pay homage to the soldiers. He shared his sentiments on social media, highlighting the significance of the day and announcing the commencement of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This project aims to improve connectivity to Leh, especially in adverse weather conditions, and will be the highest tunnel in the world upon completion. He shared a post on X explaining the importance of Kargil Divas.

Tomorrow, 26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes. Work will also commence for the Shinkun…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2024

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the soldiers, praising their indomitable spirit and courage. He emphasized that the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces continue to inspire every Indian and will do so for generations to come. "Today on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 war. Their unwavering commitment, valour and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe and secure. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and our coming generations," Rajnath Singh posted on X.

Today, on 25th anniversary of #KargilVijayDiwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in 1999 war. Their unwavering commitment, valour and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe and secure. Their service and…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2024

Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar also took to X and shared a post on Kargil Divas.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, salute the valour and dedication of our brave soldiers.

The legacy of their courage and patriotism acts as a guiding light for all Indians.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 26, 2024

Security has been heightened in Kargil ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, ensuring all arrangements are in place for the occasion.

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Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. The day serves as a reminder of the valor and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.