New Delhi, 14 July (H.S.): As part of the nationwide commemorations marking Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the 13-day *Shaurya Vijay Yatra* from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Ladakh. The expedition will see 28 riders cover nearly 1,900 kilometres through the challenging terrain of the northern Himalayas. The campaign carries the theme, *One Ride, One Nation, One Salute,* paying tribute to the courage, determination, and supreme sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who secured victory in the Kargil War.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister paid homage to the brave Indian soldiers, saying they had written a golden chapter of courage, endurance, discipline, and unparalleled patriotism that continues to be studied and admired by armed forces across the world. He said that despite operating at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet and in temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees Celsius, Indian soldiers accomplished their mission with extraordinary valour. They recaptured every peak, ridge, and bunker from enemy occupation and upheld the honour of the Tricolour. He added that the victory reflected India's unwavering resolve to respond decisively to any threat against its territory, identity, and national honour.
Rajnath Singh fondly remembered all the brave warriors whose sacrifices ensured India's victory in the conflict, 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.). He described them as enduring sources of inspiration for the nation's youth and future generations.
During the journey, 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 honour *Veer Naris* (war widows) in recognition of their sacrifice and resilience.
The Defence Minister said the *Shaurya Vijay Yatra* will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas. The riders will carry a ceremonial urn containing sacred soil from the National War Memorial, which will be offered at Kargil in tribute to the fallen heroes. Rajnath Singh said that when the soil from the National War Memorial merges with the soil of Kargil, it will symbolise the union of the present generation's gratitude with the unparalleled bravery of the nation's martyrs.
Highlighting the spirit of the expedition, he said that although the riders come from diverse backgrounds, languages, and traditions, they are united by one Tricolour, one nation, and one shared reverence for India's brave soldiers—a true reflection of the country's unity in diversity.
Expressing satisfaction over the presence of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets at the flag-off ceremony, Rajnath Singh voiced confidence that the expedition would inspire a renewed sense of patriotism among citizens, particularly the youth. He said it would remind future generations that safeguarding the nation's freedom and honour is not only the responsibility of those defending the borders but is also preserved through the country's collective memory and enduring values.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior military officials were also present at the flag-off ceremony.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
