Army kicks off Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations ahead of July 26 anniversary

Wreath-laying, aerial spectacles and digital tributes mark start of two-day homage to Kargil martyrs ahead of July 26 anniversary 

Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations  

Family members of the Kargil war martyrs participated at the flag hoisting ceremony at Lamochen viewpoint, ahead of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, in Drass area of Kargil in the Union Territory of Ladakh.  

Union ministers paid their respects at the Kargil War Memorial by laying floral wreaths at the site that stands as a solemn reminder of the valour displayed on the icy heights of Tololing, Tiger Hill and Batalik.  

In a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War, the Indian Army is set to unveil three key initiatives on Saturday to mark the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. 

These projects aim to honour the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers while fostering greater public awareness and connection with the armed forces.

What are Army's three projects? 

'e-Shradhanjali' portal: 

One of the major highlights is the launch of an 'e-Shradhanjali' portal, where citizens can pay their digital respects to the martyrs of the Indian Army. This platform offers a simple yet meaningful way for people across the country to express their gratitude and remember those who laid down their lives in service of the nation.

Giving details of the 'e-shradhanjali' project, Army said, "The citizens can now pay e-shradhanjali to the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for the country without visiting memorials." 

The project is being launched to sensitise people about the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the hardships they face while discharging their duties. 

Kargil Vijay Diwas of 'Kargil Victory Day' is celebrated every year on July 26 to observe India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War for ousting Pakistani Forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops of Northern Kargil District in Ladakh in 1999. 

Initially, the Pakistani army denied their involvement in the war, claiming that it was caused by the Kashmiri militants. 

However documents left behind by casualties, testimony of POWs and later statements by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief of Army Staff Pervez Musharraf pointed to the involvement of the Pakistani paramilitary forces, led by Lt General Ashraf Rashid.

At the memorial, Vijaypath (the ceremonial walkway) is lined with busts of eight decorated heroes including 

Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Manoj Pandey, recipients of the Param Vir Chakra.

Six others, honoured with the Mahavir Chakra, include Major Rajesh Adhikari, Major P Acharya, Major Vivek Gupta, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum (from Meghalaya) and Captain Neikezhoue Kenguruse (from Nagaland).