New Delhi: Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 celebrations began with the launch of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a 13-day motorcycle expedition flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The expedition aims to honour the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the soldiers who secured India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The riders will travel nearly 1,900 kilometres before reaching the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on July 26.
Rajnath Singh Launches Shaurya Vijay Yatra
As part of the nationwide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the commemorative motorcycle expedition on July 14. The 13-day journey will begin at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and conclude at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, on July 26, the day India marks its victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
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Shaurya Vijay Yatra: 28 Riders to Cover 1,900 Kilometres
The expedition includes 28 riders, comprising serving and retired defence personnel along with their family members. They will ride approximately 1,900 kilometres across the challenging Himalayan terrain to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War.
The official motto of the expedition is “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.”
Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to Kargil Heroes
During the flag-off ceremony, Rajnath Singh praised the courage, discipline, resilience, and patriotism shown by Indian soldiers during the Kargil War.
He said that Indian troops fought under extremely difficult conditions, including high-altitude battlefields and temperatures dropping below minus 40 degrees Celsius, yet successfully reclaimed enemy-held peaks and protected the nation’s honour.
He added that India’s victory in Kargil reflects the country’s strong resolve to defend its sovereignty, identity, and national honour.
Tribute to Param Vir Chakra Awardees
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to India’s brave soldiers, especially Param Vir Chakra awardees:
- Captain Vikram Batra
- Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey
- Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd)
- Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd)
He said their courage continues to inspire India’s youth and future generations.
Shaurya Vijay Yatra: Riders to Visit Major War Memorials
During the journey, the participants will pay homage at several important military memorials, including:
- Chandimandir War Memorial
- Rezang La War Memorial
- Leh War Memorial
The riders will also meet and honour Veer Naris (war widows) in recognition of their strength and sacrifice.
Sacred Soil to Be Carried to Kargil
A special highlight of the expedition is an urn carrying sacred soil from the National War Memorial. The soil will be offered at the Kargil War Memorial, symbolising the unity between today’s generation and the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Senior Defence Officials Attend Ceremony
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and other senior defence officials attended the launch event.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Operation Vijay and inspiring future generations through duty, honour, and selfless service.
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