Drass: To mark 26 years of India’s historic victory in the 1999 Kargil War, MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat), under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), organised ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ in Dras, Kargil today.
The padyatra was led by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth. Over 3,000 youth volunteers, along with veterans, serving armed forces personnel, families of martyrs, and members of civil society participated in the tribute walk.
Carrying forward this spirit of unity, the padyatra moved along a symbolic 1.5-kilometre route from the grounds of Himabass Public High School to Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. During the padyatra, cultural performances showcasing the vibrant traditions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh brought colour and meaning to the occasion, reflecting the unity and cultural richness of the region.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya remarked, “Kargil is not just a place in history, it is a living symbol of India’s resilience and unwavering spirit. It stands as a powerful reminder that when it comes to protecting the sovereignty of our nation, India remains united, resolute, and unshaken.”
He called upon the youth to dedicate themselves to the mission of building a strong, self-reliant, and developed India, driven by the spirit of ‘Nation First.’ Reflecting on his recent visit to Sando Top, Dr. Mandaviya added, “India has never initiated conflict, but when provoked, we respond with courage, dignity, and determination.”
Union Minister also highlighted India’s growing strategic capabilities, citing the significance of Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor as milestones in the nation’s military history. He reaffirmed that India’s armed forces continue to stand as the steadfast guardians of national pride and sovereignty.
Emphasizing the critical role of Amrit Peedhi, Dr. Mandaviya urged them to take up the mantle of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in Rashtranirman (nation-building) and contribute actively to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. “It is now upon our yuva shakti to carry forward the dreams of our brave soldiers and help shape a stronger, Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he concluded.
Shri Seth praised the enthusiasm of the youth and highlighted the sacrifices of the armed forces, encouraging students to imbibe discipline and national pride inspired by the Kargil heroes.
Following the Padyatra, both Ministers, joined by 100 MY Bharat youth volunteers, proceeded to the Kargil War Memorial where they offered floral tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 war. On the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya also felicitated 26 female bikers from the Shakti Udgosh Foundation, who completed a long-distance motorbike rally to honour the martyrs.
The event also included a symbolic tree plantation under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, linking patriotic commitment with environmental stewardship.
Leading up to the padyatra, MY Bharat had mobilised youth and communities through several activities such as essay writing, painting, elocution contests, and Yuva Samvads (youth dialogues) in villages around the region. These engagements were designed to promote civic consciousness, celebrate national service, and build emotional connection with the armed forces.
