Hyderabad, The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated today at Raj Bhavan to commemorate India’s historic victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The event, organized in collaboration with the Telangana and Andhra Sub Area Command, was presided over by the Governor of Telangana. He also unveiled a portrait of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the Raj Bhavan premises.
According to the press release, the Governor paid heartfelt tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. Remembering heroes like Captain Vikram Batra and the 526 martyrs of Operation Vijay, he stated that we breathe freely today because of their supreme sacrifices.
Praising the patriotism of Indian soldiers, he emphasized their willingness to lay down their lives for the nation’s security, ensuring peace and freedom for the country. The Governor urged citizens to draw inspiration from great leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Swami Vivekananda, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and to live lives worthy of such sacrifices.
Governor Honors Ex-Servicemen on Kargil Vijay Diwas
The Governor unveiled a portrait of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalling his steadfast leadership and paying homage to his legacy. During the event, he also honored distinguished members of the Armed Forces, acknowledging their strength, resilience, and unparalleled service to the nation. A theatrical performance based on Kargil Vijay Diwas was also staged.
The ceremony was attended by senior retired and serving officers of the Armed Forces, war veterans, gallantry award recipients, and family members of martyrs. The event concluded with a collective resolve to uphold the ideals of courage, unity, and patriotism that define India’s victory.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
Kargil Vijay Diwas is an annual commemoration in India celebrated on July 26 to honor the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. The day marks the successful Operation Vijay, which reclaimed key high-altitude posts in the Kargil-Dras sector of Ladakh. It pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, with ceremonies held at war memorials, including the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan, located in Kolkata, India, is the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. Built in 1803 during British colonial rule, it was originally known as Government House and served as the residence of the British Viceroy and Governor-General of India. The grand neoclassical structure, designed by Captain Charles Wyatt, reflects colonial architecture and remains a significant historical and political landmark.
Telangana and Andhra Sub Area Command
The **Telangana and Andhra Sub Area Command** is a military administrative division of the Indian Army responsible for the regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It oversees operational logistics, infrastructure, and welfare for armed forces personnel in the area. Historically, it has played a role in maintaining defense preparedness and supporting civil authorities during emergencies in southern India.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018) was an Indian statesman, poet, and three-time Prime Minister of India, known for his leadership in economic reforms and diplomacy. A key figure in Indian politics, he co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and played a pivotal role in shaping modern India, including nuclear tests in 1998 and peace efforts with Pakistan. His legacy is honored through memorials like the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial in New Delhi, which celebrates his contributions to the nation.
Captain Vikram Batra
Captain Vikram Batra (1974–1999) was an Indian Army officer celebrated for his bravery during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. He led crucial missions to recapture strategic peaks, famously declaring *»Yeh dil maange more!»* («This heart wants more!») after one victory, before sacrificing his life in battle. Awarded India’s highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously, he remains a national hero symbolizing courage and patriotism.
Operation Vijay
«Operation Vijay» refers to the successful military operation conducted by India in December 1961 to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese colonial rule after over 450 years of occupation. The 36-hour operation involved air, sea, and land strikes, leading to the surrender of Portuguese forces and the integration of these territories into India. It marked the end of European colonialism in India and strengthened India’s sovereignty over its western coastal regions.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who played a key role in India’s independence movement against British rule. He founded the Forward Bloc and led the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, seeking support from Axis powers to liberate India. Remembered for his slogan *»Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom,»* Bose remains a revered figure in Indian history for his militant defiance and patriotism.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist and statesman who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Renowned as the «Missile Man of India,» he played a pivotal role in the development of India’s space and missile programs, including the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. A beloved figure, Kalam was celebrated for his humility, dedication to education, and inspirational leadership, leaving a lasting legacy as a people’s president and a role model for youth.
