On this solemn and proud occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the nation bows the heads in deep reverence to the indomitable courage, unwavering resolve and supreme sacrifice of our armed forces. July 26, 1999, is etched in the national consciousness as the day India emerged victorious in the face of a most audacious intrusion, a victory not just of strategy and strength, but of spirit, unity, and national pride. Twenty-six years ago, our soldiers climbed treacherous heights under relentless enemy fire to reclaim what was rightfully ours. At altitudes above 18,000 feet in the harshest conditions imaginable, they exemplified bravery beyond comprehension. Each hilltop taken, each post reclaimed, came at a heavy price, but never once did our forces flinch. The echoes of battles fought at Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Batalik still resonate as symbols of grit and gallantry. Kargil Vijay Diwas is more than a military milestone; it is a national reminder of the cost of freedom, the sanctity of our borders and the heroism that secures both. It is a day to honour not just those who laid down their lives, but also the countless who stood by in bunkers, in hospitals, in command rooms and in silent prayer at home. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to every soldier and their families who bore the burden of duty with pride and pain. In remembering Kargil, we must also reaffirm our collective duty, to uphold the ideals our soldiers fight for, to nurture peace with vigilance, and to never let patriotism become a passing sentiment. The bravery of 1999 is a legacy we must preserve, by standing united, by respecting our forces, and by building a nation worthy of their sacrifice.
Achan and Srinagar’s cleanliness challenge
The government’s admission that the Achan dumping site continues to undermine Srinagar’s performance in cleanliness rankings is significant because it...
