Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: Date, History, Importance and Significance
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Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated by all of us on July 26 every year. On July 26, 2023 we are celebrating the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is the time to remember and recognize the sacrifice and acknowledge the contribution of our soldiers.
We celebrate the victory and sacrifice of our soldiers who devoted their lives for our nation. We pay tribute to their courageous and enthusiastic bravery during the Kargil War which took place in 1999.
The operation our soldiers led in Kargil War was “Operation Vijay” which keeps a significance itself.
The Kargil War happened in the kargil district of jammu and kashmir between India and Pakistan at the Line of Control (LOC) where the Indian army triumphed over the ‘Tiger Hill’ and won the war.
The Kargil Battle is considered as one of the major conflicts between India and Pakistan and also holds on to significance in the history because a lot of casualties have been seen, a myriad of soldiers sacrificed their lives to save our nation.
It was a great loss of resources and it also badly influenced the families of the soldiers. The aim of the celebration of the Kargil Vijay Diwas is to motivate the youth and get the support from the youth.
History of Kargil Vijay Diwas:
Whether we say Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day it is the same thing. The War was between two nations India and Pakistan. The day is celebrated on July 26 every year in the remembrance of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
The war took place in 1999 for a period of two months, from May to July 1999 in kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The conflict between these two nations was aroused when Pakistani troops and militants intruded the Indian territory and they also occupied the high-altitude areas along with the Line of Control (LOC) border line which divides India and Pakistan geographically.
The war resulted as an intrusion by violating the Shimla Agreement which was signed in 1972 to maintain the peace between the two countries. The War intimidated the security of India and accessed Ladakh.
The Indian Government responded on May 26, 1999 through “Operation Vijay ” to expel the Pakistani forces and militants to resieze the intruded areas.
The Indian Air Force supported the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War by fighting back against Pakistan Forces in the unbearable and harsh weather conditions. The Indian Airforce used Mirage-2000, Mig-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-27s, and Jaguars in the Kargil War.
Significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas:
We specifically commemorate the Kargil Vijay Diwas to tribute the honour and reverence to our brave soldiers who martyred in the Kargil War to save the nation. This day also emphasises on their remarkable contribution to the nation and to acknowledge their sacrifice during the war.
Every year on July 26, we organise umpteen events across the country to remember and celebrate the victory. We also do the parades, memorial services, cultural programs, ceremonies on this auspicious day.
The sacrifice our soldiers made for the country should be acknowledged and recognized by all of us because it is an act of courage and bravery and not every individual has the guts to do the same.
This day reminds us of the significance of the readiness and dedication of our soldiers who always place us before them to retain the sovereignty of the country.
When did the War Start and End?
The War began on May 26, 1999 when the Pakistani force and militants intruded the territory of India and seized the land on the high-altitude and LOC( Line of Control). In order to revert back we launched “Operation Vijay” to regain and occupy an area impounded by them.
The War became crucial and prolonged to almost two months where we saw heavy casualties on both sides. As per the reports, above 500 Indian soldiers have been martyred in the Kargil War and from Pakistani military, between 357 and 453 soldiers martyred in the War.
Nevertheless, We successfully recaptured the impounded areas and declared the triumph by hoisting the Indian flag on July 26, 1999 on the peaks. Thus, it has awakened the animosity between the nations.
A Glimpse of Inspirational quotes made by our Soldiers:
1. “Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it but I will be back for sure” – Captain Vikram Batra
2. “If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death”
– Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey
3. “A soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what’s behind him.” – Bill Clark Jr.
4. ” A soldier is not just a person. One is our pride, the Army is our glory, honour we earned” – Kaushik Dhakate
5. “You have never lived fully until you have almost died and for those who are not afraid of death and choose to fight, life always has a special flavour for them”.
6. “A soldier lives by chance, loves by choice, and kills by his profession.” –Capt. Vikram Batra