Drass, Ladakh, July 26: Amid the towering peaks of the Kargil battlefield, the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated with a powerful blend of solemn remembrance and patriotic fervour at Lamochan View Point and later in Drass town, honouring the valour and sacrifice of the heroes who laid down their lives during the 1999 war.
The day began with a ceremonial flag hoisting at Lamochan, overlooking the iconic battlegrounds of Tiger Hill, Batra Top, and Tololing. The National Flag was hoisted by the Flag Foundation of India in the presence of Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 14 Corps. The setting, steeped in history and sacrifice, served as a solemn reminder of the fierce battles fought on these very heights.
Major General Ashim Kohli (Retd.), a decorated Kargil War veteran and CEO of the Flag Foundation, called the flag hoisting the most meaningful moment of his career. Reflecting on his time in the Khalubar sector during the war, Maj Gen Kohli paid tribute to his fallen comrades and spoke passionately about the national flag’s symbolism, the Flag Code of India, and the Foundation’s efforts to inspire patriotic values among citizens.
Adding a cultural dimension to the commemorations, Team Stringmo—a group of young women artists from Kargil—was felicitated for their artistic expressions of patriotism. Guided by their mentor, Sajjad Hussain Bob, their work reflects a fusion of Ladakhi heritage with national pride, capturing the spirit of unity through art.
A deeply emotional moment unfolded as Lt Gen Bhalla honoured the Veer Naris and Next of Kin of the martyrs, offering heartfelt gratitude and respect to the families who have borne the nation’s deepest loss.
As the day progressed, the solemnity transformed into celebration. Drass town came alive with a grand cultural programme in the evening, featuring stirring patriotic songs, the traditional Yak Dance, and a spectacular drone show that lit up the Ladakhi sky—symbolizing India’s resilience, remembrance, and growing technological prowess.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh L. Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, attended the event as chief guests. Addressing the gathering, Minister Seth emphasized that honouring the sacrifices of the armed forces is a collective responsibility of every citizen. He also referenced India’s recent success in Operation Sindoor, calling it a reflection of a stronger, more self-reliant “New India.”
The day concluded with the Vijay Bhoj—a communal feast held in honour of the martyrs. Soldiers, families of the fallen, and civilians came together in a shared expression of solidarity, remembrance, and national pride—echoing the spirit of Kargil that continues to unite the nation, 26 years on.
