New Delhi, July 14: As part of the nationwide celebrations marking Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday flagged off the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a 13-day commemorative motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial at Dras, Ladakh.
The expedition aims to honour the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the Indian soldiers who secured victory during the 1999 Kargil War. Carrying the theme “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute,” the rally will conclude on July 26, the 27th anniversary of India’s victory in Operation Vijay.
28 Riders to Cover 1,900 Kilometres
The expedition comprises 28 riders, including serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and family members of defence personnel. Over the next 13 days, they will travel nearly 1,900 kilometres, navigating the challenging terrain of the northern Himalayas before reaching the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
During the journey, the riders will pay tribute at several prominent military memorials, including the:
- Chandimandir War Memorial
- Rezang La War Memorial
- Leh War Memorial
They will also interact with and felicitate Veer Naris, recognising the sacrifices and resilience of the families of India’s fallen soldiers.
Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to Kargil Heroes
Addressing the gathering at the National War Memorial, Rajnath Singh paid glowing tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, describing their bravery as an enduring inspiration for future generations.
He said the victory in Operation Vijay demonstrated India’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and respond decisively to any threat against the nation.
“The 1999 Kargil War victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze upon our land, identity and honour,” the Defence Minister said.
He recalled how Indian troops fought under extreme conditions at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet, enduring temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, yet successfully recaptured every peak, bunker and strategic position occupied by the enemy.
Tribute to Param Vir Chakra Heroes
Rajnath Singh also remembered the extraordinary bravery of India’s highest gallantry award recipients, including:
- Captain Vikram Batra (PVC)
- Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (PVC)
- Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (PVC)
- Honorary Captain Sanjay Kumar (PVC)
He said their courage continues to inspire the youth and remains a shining example of patriotism and selfless service.
Sacred Soil to be Carried to Kargil
One of the unique features of the expedition is that the riders will carry an urn containing sacred soil from the National War Memorial, which will be ceremonially offered at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26.
According to Rajnath Singh, the symbolic act represents the emotional bond between the nation’s present generation and the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Defence Minister highlighted that the expedition brings together serving soldiers, veterans and civilians from different regions of the country, reflecting India’s unity in diversity.
With National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets present at the flag-off ceremony, he expressed confidence that the Shaurya Vijay Yatra would inspire patriotism among young Indians and remind future generations that safeguarding the nation’s freedom requires courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment.
Senior Military Leadership Present
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, along with several senior military and defence officials.
The Indian Army said the Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects its commitment to preserving the legacy of Operation Vijay and ensuring that the courage, honour and sacrifice of the Kargil heroes continue to inspire generations of Indians.