Northern Army Commander undertakes over 400 Kms bike ride to Kargil

The 22nd Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas also coincides with the 50th year of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which is being celebrated as Swarnim Vijay Varsh. According to the Defence ministry sources, the victory mashal has already reached Ladakh after travelling through every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.

Udhampur: In the wake of the pandemic situation, Kargil Vijay Diwas was a low key affair in 2020. But this year Indian Army is organising massive celebrations as a tribute to the sacrifice of the 527 soldiers who lost their lives in the war. As a part of those celebrations, Northern Army Commander led a bike rally from Udhampur to Kargil on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command and Kargil War Hero Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar, said, "It is very important that the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers of the Indian Army are not only recognised but also remembered in order to continue to inspire the current and the future generations of the country. Therefore, today, this effort of ours (the motorcycle rally we are undertaking) is to remember fallen heroes during operation Vijay and also to revive the spirit of patriotism among the youth."

Recalling the Kargil war, he said, "On July 7, I had flown over the Batra top in a Sukhoi Jet. That was the day when one of my company commanders, Captain Vikram Batra had laid down his life and today I am undertaking a motorcycle rally (Dhruva Kargil Ride) to remember all the fallen heroes of the Indian Army who had laid down lives for the nation."

Lt Gen Joshi, whose battalion 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles made four successful assaults on hilltops captured by Pakistani soldiers during the conflict in 1999 and played vital role in the War.

"Look beyond the myopic material gains and commit themselves to the greater cause, greater good of the country. It is important for the youth to think big, dream big, do big and to become big. I want to tell them don't follow beaten tracks, follow unknown, make your own track and leave a trail for others to follow," he said while sharing a message with youth.

Interestingly, the 22nd Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas also coincides with the 50th year of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which is being celebrated as Swarnim Vijay Varsh.

According to the Defence ministry sources, the victory mashal has already reached Ladakh after travelling through every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.

“On Vijay Diwas, the victory flames would be received at Dras War Memorial. In addition to this army has planned week-long grand celebrations from Northern Command Udhampur to Dras, War Memorial, connecting Srinagar based 15 Corps, to engage everyone in the mood of festivity.”

"On July 25, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff of India will join the celebrations at Lamuchen Viewpoint, where briefing about war has been planned," sources said.

They said that Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and a cast of 'Shershah' movie are also likely to join the celebrations for the launch of the official teaser of the movie filmed on Kargil hero and Captain Vikram Batra, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic act of bravery during the war.

“President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also supreme commander of Armed Forces is likely to participate in Kargil Vijay Diwas programme on July 26 and lay the wreath at Dras War Memorial Kargil.”

Earlier, in 2019 the President was scheduled to lay a wreath at the War Memorial but his visit got cancelled as the flight from Srinagar to Leh was not able to take off due to bad weather.