Rajnath flags off Shaurya Vijay Yatra to Drass ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas

LEH: As part of the nationwide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh today flagged-off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a commemorative motorcycle expedition, from the National War Memorial, New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.

The expedition will witness 28 riders, including serving & retired defence forces personnel, and their family members, cover 1,900 kilometers while traversing through the demanding terrain of the northern Himalayas to honour the courage, resolve & supreme sacrifice of the Indian bravehearts who ensured victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The motto of the expedition is ‘One Ride, One Nation, One Salute’.

In his address, Raksha Mantri paid glowing tributes to the gallant Indian soldiers, who, he said, wrote a golden chapter of courage, patience, discipline, and unmatched patriotism that militaries across the world still study and regard with respect. “At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet and temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees celsius, our soldiers achieved their objectives with courage and resilience.

They reclaimed every peak, hill & bunker from enemy control and upheld the honour of the Tricolour. The victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze upon our land, identity and honour,” he added.

Rajnath Singh expressed deep gratitude to all the Indian bravehearts, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd), for their invaluable contribution in ensuring victory in the war. He stated that these valiant soldiers serve as an inspiration to the youth, and will continue to inspire future generations.

Enroute, the riders will pay homage at prominent military memorials, including the Chandimandir War Memorial, Rezang La War Memorial and Leh War Memorial. They will also interact with and felicitate Veer Naris, recognising their courage and resilience. The expedition will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial on the Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2026.

During the expedition, riders will carry an urn containing the National War Memorial’s sacred soil, which will be offered at Kargil in the memory of the fallen heroes. “When the soil from here unites with the one in Kargil, it would symbolise the confluence of the reverence of the nation’s current generation and the valour of the nation’s heroes,” stated Raksha Mantri. Highlighting a key aspect of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, Shri Rajnath Singh said the expedition brings together serving officers, veterans, and civilians from different parts of the country. “Diverse backgrounds, languages, and traditions, yet one Tricolour, one Nation, and a shared reverence for our heroes – this is the very identity of our country,” he said.

With National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in attendance at the flag-off ceremony, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the expedition will awaken a renewed sense of patriotism among the people, especially the youth. He added that it will convey a message to future generations that the defence of the nation’s freedom and honour takes place not only at the borders, but also in our memories and values.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior officials were present on the occasion. Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to carrying forward the values exemplified during Operation Vijay. By retracing this journey of courage, the expedition seeks to inspire future generations to uphold duty, honour and selfless service.