The Kargil Vijay Diwas marked its 20th anniversary on July 26, 2019. The theme set for this poignant milestone was ‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’. This narrative not only encapsulates the collective sentiment of all Indians towards this historic victory but also pays homage to our heroic martyrs. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the relentless endeavours by our armed forces to ensure the honour of the Indian Tricolour remains unscathed.
The Significance of the Theme: ‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’
The theme for the 20th Anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas is designed to evoke a threefold response from the citizens of India. Firstly, it asks us to ‘Remember’ those who valiantly fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Secondly, it encourages us to ‘Rejoice’ by rejoicing in the victory that was hard-won by the Indian Army in the Kargil war. Lastly, it prompts us to ‘Renew’ our commitment to safeguarding the honour of our national flag, the Tricolour.
History of the Kargil War
In 1999, a tenuous agreement was signed between India and Pakistan, known as the Lahore Agreement. The aim was to peacefully resolve the Kashmir issue through mutual cooperation. However, Pakistani troops initiated clandestine infiltration towards the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) under Operation Badr. They hoped to isolate Indian Troops stationed in Siachen.
India’s Response: Operation Vijay
In response to Pakistan’s Operation Badr, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay. This operation was designed to neutralize the incoming Pakistani forces and re-establish India’s control over the LoC. The plan was executed with meticulously calculated maneuvers that ultimately resulted in a victorious outcome for the Indian Army.
A Documentation of Bravery: “Fire and Fury Corps- Saga of Valour, Fortitude and Sacrifice”
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War, the Indian Army released a book titled “Fire and Fury Corps-Saga of Valour, Fortitude and Sacrifice”. This book tells the tale of the bravery, courage, and valor displayed by our warriors. It also aims to represent the rich heritage and ethos of the Indian Army.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore Agreement | 1999 | Mutual agreement signed between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully |
| Pakistan’s Operation Badr | 1999 | Pakistani troops began infiltrating toward the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) |
| India’s Operation Vijay | 1999 | Indian Army’s response to Operation Badr, successfully re-establishing control over the LoC |
| Release of “Fire and Fury Corps-Saga of Valour, Fortitude and Sacrifice” | 2019 | Book released by the Indian Army marking the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War |
Conclusion: A Salute to the Brave
The 20th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just about commemorating a military victory. It is a tribute to the sacrifices of brave soldiers and their unparalleled courage. The theme ‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’ succinctly encapsulates this multifaceted sentiment. It is a call to every Indian citizen to remember our heroes, celebrate their victory, and renew our commitment to uphold the honour of our nation.
