Honoring the Heroes of Kargil Vijay Diwas: A Reflection on Sacrifice and Valor
Commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas
Munish Sood
MANDI: On July 26, 2025, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day dedicated to honoring the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of its soldiers who redefined courage during the Kargil War of 1999. Even after twenty-six years, the memories of the fierce battles—from Tololing to Tiger Hill—continue to resonate in the hearts of every Indian.
Brigadier Khushal Thakur's Reflections
Brigadier Khushal Thakur (retd), who commanded the 18 Grenadiers, a battalion that seized some of the most challenging peaks during the conflict, views the war as more than just a military engagement; it was a profound test of character and national identity.
“Those mountains were not merely land; they were sacred grounds of sacrifice,” Brigadier Thakur states, his voice heavy with the memories of lives lost and victories achieved. “Our fight was not for territory but to ensure that no enemy flag ever flies over our homeland.”
The Battle of Kargil: A Test of Resolve
In the summer of 1999, Pakistani forces infiltrated Indian territory in the Kargil sector of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to a grueling 60-day conflict fought under extreme conditions. With temperatures plummeting to minus 11°C and the enemy holding the high ground, Indian soldiers ascended and triumphed.
The turning point came with the capture of Tololing, where soldiers from the 18 Grenadiers, under the leadership of Major Rajesh Adhikari and Lt Col. Vishwanathan, faced machine gun fire, steep inclines, and biting winds, advancing inch by inch.
“We crawled up those slopes for days. There was no cover, no darkness to shield us—only sheer courage. Many of my men were in their early twenties, yet they possessed the hearts of lions,” Brig Thakur recalls.
Tiger Hill, a symbol of enemy resistance, stood at over 16,500 feet, heavily fortified and fiercely defended. Nevertheless, Indian soldiers ascended with bayonets drawn and determination in their eyes.
Brave individuals like Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, who was shot multiple times, feigned death to gather critical intelligence. Lt Balwan Singh and Capt Vikram Batra led the charge, with Batra’s rallying cry “Yeh Dil Maange More” becoming a symbol of national courage.
Operation Sindoor: Evolving Warfare
Fast forward to 2025, the battlefield has transformed, as have the threats. However, the essence of the Indian soldier remains steadfast.
Operation Sindoor, a recent high-altitude precision operation targeting terrorist infiltration in the northern sector, exemplifies the modern face of Indian defense—enhanced by technology, driven by intelligence, and executed with precision. Drones, satellites, and night-vision equipment play crucial roles, yet the soldier remains at the heart of every success.
“Had we possessed today’s tools back then, perhaps we could have saved more lives,” Brigadier Thakur reflects. “But technology can only augment strategy; it cannot replace bravery.” He perceives today’s army as more intelligent, agile, and well-equipped, yet still embodying the same spirit of selfless service. “The names and weapons may change, but the essence remains the same—the same passion, the same tricolor in our hearts, and the same commitment to our nation.”
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Over 500 soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War, with thousands more injured. Some returned as honored heroes, while others came home in flag-draped coffins. “Some of our boys never had the chance to read their last letters from home,” Brig Thakur shares. “Some were newly married, and some never got to meet their children. Yet, they all shared one common trait—they never hesitated.”