Kargil War: O country, what is bigger than you… India is celebrating ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ in Amrit Kaal

New Delhi: The blood was of brave martyrs, every son was a martyr, the wind was stormy on the Kargil mountain peak… Today is the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Today the whole country will celebrate the silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day is dedicated to those brave soldiers of India who defeated the Pakistani soldiers and hoisted the victory flag on the high peaks of Kargil. The Kargil war was the most difficult war for India. But the true brave sons of India made the high peaks of Kargil red with their blood and defeated Pakistan. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the brave martyrs of Kargil will be remembered from Delhi to Kanyakumari today.

‘The sacrifice will not go in vain’

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Thursday said on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas that the sacrifices made by soldiers in the 1999 war “will not go in vain”. he/she emphasised that all three wings of the armed forces are on the “threshold of a major reform”. The Chief of Defence Staff conveyed his/her greetings and best wishes to all personnel of the armed forces on the occasion of 25 years of the Kargil war, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. General Chauhan underlined that “all three wings of the armed forces are on the threshold of a major reform, ranging from organisational, structural, ideological to cultural levels”.

‘Armed forces have to be kept ready for war at all times’

he/she said, ‘The underlying objective of these reforms is to improve combat efficiency and keep the armed forces combat-ready at all times. We must be ready to abandon old practices and adopt new ones. The shape and contours of the reforms should reflect the uniqueness of the Indian environment and challenges.’ Recalling the valour of the Kargil heroes, Chauhan emphasised that ‘the lessons learnt through bloodshed should not be forgotten, mistakes should not be repeated and the right lessons should be strengthened.’

‘Determined to build a developed India’

The CDS in his/her message also underlined that the supreme sacrifices made by the bravehearts in the Kargil war will not go in vain. he/she said, “It will continue to inspire and motivate not only the soldiers but also the future generations of the youth of the country.” Highlighting the uniqueness of the Kargil war, Gen Chauhan said that the war had lessons not only for the Army but for all those involved in national security. On the occasion, the CDS assured the citizens that the armed forces are full of new energy as the nation is stepping into the ‘Amrit Kaal’ and are determined to keep pace with the rest of the country to make India a ‘Developed India’.