Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Remembering India’s War Heroes | PHOTOS
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Remembering India’s War Heroes | PHOTOS
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: The Kargil War remains a testament to heroism and resilience. Every peak that was regained stood as proof of exceptional bravery. In recognition of their sacrifices, the nation honoured these heroes with its highest military accolades.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: This year, the nation solemnly observes the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day etched in India’s history as a symbol of pride and valour. It commemorates the remarkable victory of 1999, when Indian soldiers, defying harsh terrain and unrelenting enemy fire, reclaimed the heights of Kargil with extraordinary courage and steadfast determination. On 26 July, the tricolour once again rose high over the rugged Ladakh mountains, representing sacrifice, bravery, and the enduring spirit of the nation.
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Captain Vikram Batra of 13 JAK Rifles led the successful assault on Point 5140, engaging in hand-to-hand combat and killing four enemy soldiers. After victory, he radioed the iconic phrase, “Yeh Dil Maange More,” which became a symbol of Kargil’s fighting spirit. On 7 July 1999, he led his company in the capture of Point 4875. Despite being seriously wounded, he continued to lead from the front, killing five enemy soldiers before falling in battle.
For his inspiring leadership and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
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Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav of the 18th Grenadiers was part of the platoon assigned to capture Tiger Hill in Dras. On 3 July 1999, under heavy shelling, he began scaling an icy cliff with his team. He destroyed the first enemy bunker, enabling his platoon to advance.
Despite being hit by bullets in the shoulder and abdomen, he pressed forward, destroyed another bunker, and killed three enemy soldiers. His courage inspired his comrades to seize Tiger Hill.
For this exceptional bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
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Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of 13 JAK Rifles was one of the leading scouts sent to capture a flat-top feature in the Mushkoh Valley on 4 July 1999. Upon reaching the summit, he came under intense fire from an enemy bunker. Engaging in a face-to-face battle, he killed three intruders, even after being seriously injured. As the enemy retreated, abandoning a machine gun, Sanjay Kumar seized it and opened fire, killing several more.
His fearless actions motivated his unit to secure the objective. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry.
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Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum of Meghalaya showed exceptional bravery during the assault on Point 4812 in the Batalik sector. He led his men up steep slopes under heavy fire, hurling grenades to silence enemy bunkers. Even after being wounded, he refused evacuation and continued fighting until a fatal bullet struck him.
His leadership inspired his troops to storm and secure the peak.
His father later recalled Clifford’s words: “If I die, at least it will be as a soldier.” Today, his name is revered across the North East as a son of the hills who gave everything for the nation.
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Captain Vijyant Thapar of 2 Rajputana Rifles, awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously, was just 22 when he led his men in the assault on Knoll in the Dras sector. Under relentless enemy fire, he inspired his troops and eliminated several bunkers in close combat.
He continued forward despite injuries but was struck by a sniper’s bullet just short of the objective. His actions were vital in the battalion’s success.
A letter he left for his family reflected his calm acceptance of duty and sacrifice: "By the time you get this letter, I will be observing you all from the sky. I have no regrets." His courage and words remain an enduring inspiration.
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Major Vivek Gupta played a crucial role in the capture of Tololing. On 13 June 1999, he led his company in a night-time assault under treacherous conditions. Wounded during the advance, he pressed on to neutralise a key enemy position.
Though fatally injured by another burst of fire, his actions created the breakthrough his troops needed to seize the peak.
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Major Rajesh Adhikari led a daring assault on Tololing on 1 June 1999 under heavy artillery and small arms fire. Moving across open ground, he drew enemy fire away from his men and successfully neutralised a key bunker before being fatally hit.
His courageous action energised his troops, who captured the position soon after.
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Captain Anuj Nayyar, of 17 Jat and recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra (posthumous), displayed remarkable bravery during the assault on Pimple II in the Tololing complex on 6 July 1999. As his company was pinned down under intense fire, he advanced with determination, destroying three enemy bunkers with grenades and close combat. In his final act, he eliminated a fourth bunker before being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade.
His sacrifice broke the enemy’s line, enabling his company to secure the objective.
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Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey of 11 Gorkha Rifles was tasked with clearing Khalubar Ridge in Batalik on 3 July 1999. Facing heavy fire, he charged forward, destroying two enemy bunkers and killing four soldiers. Even after being injured in the shoulder and legs, he continued the assault, eliminating more positions. He was fatally wounded while leading his men to victory.
For his extraordinary courage, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
