The Impressive TimesDras- To mark 26 years of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War, Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth led a solemn ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ in Dras, Ladakh. The event, organized by MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, saw the participation of over 3,000 volunteers, army veterans, martyrs’ families, and citizens.
“Kargil is not just a place in history, it is a living symbol of India’s resilience and unwavering spirit,” said Dr. Mandaviya during the address.
The padyatra followed a 1.5 km symbolic route, starting from Himabass Public High School and culminating at Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. Along the way, youth volunteers and locals paid homage through patriotic songs, cultural performances, and silent tributes. The vibrant traditions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were on full display, reinforcing the unity and diversity of the nation.
“It is now upon our yuva shakti to carry forward the dreams of our brave soldiers and help shape a stronger, Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Dr. Mandaviya urged the youth.
The Union Minister emphasized the pivotal role of Amrit Peedhi (youth generation) in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He reiterated that India has never initiated war, but when provoked, “we respond with courage, dignity, and determination.” Referencing Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor, he hailed the Indian Armed Forces as unwavering guardians of national pride.
Minister Sanjay Seth commended the youthful energy present at the event and highlighted the legacy of sacrifice made by the armed forces. He encouraged students to embrace discipline, civic sense, and national pride.
Following the padyatra, both Ministers, along with 100 MY Bharat volunteers, visited the Kargil War Memorial to lay floral wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes. In a powerful moment of recognition, Dr. Mandaviya felicitated 26 female bikers from the Shakti Udgosh Foundation, who completed a motorbike rally in tribute to the Kargil martyrs.
The event also included a tree plantation drive under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, symbolizing the bond between patriotism and environmental stewardship.
In the days leading to the padyatra, MY Bharat had mobilized youth through essay contests, painting competitions, elocution challenges, and Yuva Samvads (youth dialogues) across nearby villages. These activities aimed to nurture civic awareness, promote emotional connect with armed forces, and build a sense of collective national identity.
3,000+ youth volunteers took part in the padyatra in Dras.
Floral tributes paid at the Kargil War Memorial.
26 female bikers honoured for their tribute rally.
Tree plantation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” promoted eco-patriotism.
Cultural performances spotlighted Ladakhi and Kashmiri traditions.
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