Raja Syed Rather
Drass, Jul 25: The Indian Army on Friday started the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Drass, Ladakh, paying tribute to the soldiers, who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. The main event will be held on July 26.
Senior Army officials and Union Ministers including the Minister of State for Defence, laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial to honour the fallen heroes of battles fought at Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Batalik.
This year’s celebrations will continue for two days and include a mix of traditional and modern events.
On Friday evening, people witnessed cultural performances like the traditional Yak dance and patriotic songs. A special drone show lit up the night sky, showing India’s progress in modern defence.
The Army also showcased new equipment like robotic dogs and logistics drones that can help soldiers carry supplies and patrol in high-altitude areas.
Army officials said that these tools would help to reduce the physical burden on troops working in tough terrains.
On Saturday, the Army will launch three new digital projects, a website where people can pay tribute to martyrs online, QR-code based audio guides at the memorial, sharing stories from the war and the opening of “Indus Viewpoint” in Batalik, offering a rare public view of the Line of Control.
The Kargil War Memorial in Drass has become a major place of remembrance, drawing tourists, students, and citizens from across India who come to honour the bravery of Indian soldiers.
The Army showcased its latest high-altitude logistic drones and robotic dogs, developed to transport supplies and conduct patrols across challenging border terrains. These cutting-edge machines are built to operate in extreme environments where human mobility is often limited.
A senior official noted that the introduction of these technologies will significantly reduce the physical strain on troops deployed in harsh conditions. He added that their use will enhance operational efficiency, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
