Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said the expedition is a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of India’s armed forces.
“Today’s occasion is not merely about flagging off the Motorcycle Expedition, but about paying homage to the indomitable spirit of our brave soldiers who sacrificed everything for the honour, pride and glory of India,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the expedition, the Defence Minister said the name ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ itself symbolises courage and victory, while its theme, “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute,” reflects the spirit of national unity and respect for the armed forces.
Recalling the bravery displayed by Indian soldiers during the Kargil War, Singh said they achieved the impossible under some of the harshest conditions.
“At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet, where breathing becomes difficult and temperatures fall to minus 40 degrees, our soldiers carved out a new chapter in history through their courage and determination,” he said.
The Defence Minister described Operation Vijay as more than a military victory, calling it a symbol of courage, discipline, patience and patriotism that continues to be studied by militaries across the world.
The ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ will cover nearly 1,900 kilometres over 13 days, travelling through Chandimandir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh before culminating at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, when the nation observes Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“This will not merely be a journey of covering distances; it will be a journey of connecting with history, sacrifice and patriotism,” Singh said.
He added that India’s victory in Kargil represents the nation’s unwavering resolve to protect its sovereignty, identity and honour, and expressed confidence that the expedition would inspire young people while keeping alive the memory of the Kargil martyrs.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth was also present at the flag-off ceremony.
According to the Ministry of Defence, July 14 marks a significant milestone in the Kargil War, when Indian forces regained control of key strategic heights in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors during Operation Vijay. India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on July 26 to commemorate the successful recapture of strategic positions from Pakistani intruders and to honour the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
-ANI
