Operation Vijay Symbolises India’s Valour and Courage: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma

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Jaipur, July 2026: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the victory in the Kargil War stands as a symbol of India’s pride, bravery, valour, and unwavering national resolve. He said the country’s soldiers accomplished what once seemed impossible, reclaiming strategic peaks from Tiger Hill and Tololing to Batalik and Drass, where the Indian Tricolour was proudly hoisted once again.

Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas Shaurya Sandhya programme at Birla Auditorium on Saturday, the Chief Minister recalled that Operation Vijay was launched in 1999 after Pakistan attempted to infiltrate Indian territory. He said Indian soldiers fought for nearly 85 days at altitudes ranging between 15,000 and 18,000 feet, overcoming extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and difficult mountainous terrain to secure victory.

Despite these harsh conditions, Sharma said the morale of India’s armed forces never wavered. Displaying extraordinary courage and determination, they liberated Indian territory occupied by enemy forces. He paid tribute to heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Saurabh Kalia, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

The Chief Minister noted that 527 Indian soldiers were martyred and more than 1,300 personnel were injured during the conflict. Among the fallen were Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, Captain Amit Bhardwaj, and 58 brave soldiers from Rajasthan, whose sacrifices continue to inspire the nation.

Morale of India’s Armed Forces Higher Than the Himalayas

Sharma said the Kargil War proved that no nation can defeat a country whose armed forces possess morale higher than the Himalayas. He described Operation Vijay not merely as a military campaign but as a victory of the nation’s self-respect.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on national security as the country’s highest priority, Sharma said India’s defence policy has gained new strength, clarity, and confidence in recent years. The armed forces are being equipped with advanced technology, and the Central Government has taken significant steps to modernise and strengthen the military.

Self-Reliance Driving India’s Defence Capabilities

The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s focus on developing infrastructure along border areas and said India’s military capability, strategic thinking, and decisive leadership are now respected globally.

He said the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) has become the guiding principle for the defence sector, with indigenous technology being used in platforms such as the Tejas fighter aircraft and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

Soldiers’ Sacrifice Inspires the Nation

Sharma said the National War Memorial was established to ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made by India’s soldiers. He added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has demonstrated its willingness to respond decisively to security threats.

He referred to the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strike, and Operation Sindoor (2025) as examples of India’s evolving security doctrine. According to the Chief Minister, during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorist infrastructure within minutes using missiles and precision-guided weapons without crossing the international border.

Welfare of Soldiers and Their Families

The Chief Minister said honouring soldiers and supporting their families is the nation’s moral responsibility. He stated that the state government’s Soldier Welfare Department has been strengthened to ensure that ex-servicemen, war widows, and their families receive the benefits of welfare schemes.

He said 25 bighas of land have been allotted to the dependents of fallen soldiers and recipients of gallantry awards. In addition, 154 dependents of martyred soldiers have been provided government jobs, while 47 dependents of other decorated soldiers have also been appointed to public service.

To address pension-related grievances of ex-servicemen, 418 district-level camps were organised, resolving 1,228 cases. Through the Rajasthan Ex-Servicemen Corporation (REXSCO), retired military personnel are also being provided opportunities for re-employment.

Enhanced Benefits for Ex-Servicemen

Sharma said the honorarium of ex-servicemen employed through REXSCO in various state government departments was increased by 10 per cent each in 2024 and 2025. New District Soldier Welfare Offices have been established in Beawar, Khairthal-Tijara, and Phalodi.

He also announced that National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) legal aid clinics have been set up in 18 District Soldier Welfare Offices to provide free legal assistance to members of the armed forces community.

Historic Army Day Parade in Jaipur

The Chief Minister recalled that the 78th Army Day Parade was held in Jaipur earlier this year, showcasing the Indian Army’s courage, professionalism, and modern combat capabilities. Advanced defence systems, including the BrahMos missile, modern tanks, and other state-of-the-art military equipment, demonstrated the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence industry.

He said the parade reflected the Indian Army’s commitment to courage, self-reliance, and national security.

Inspiring Future Generations

Sharma described the Kargil War as more than a chapter in history, calling it a living lesson in patriotism, discipline, leadership, courage, and duty. He said the state government is committed to ensuring that the inspiring stories of India’s armed forces reach every citizen.

As part of this initiative, war trophies of the Indian Army are being installed in leading schools, colleges, and universities across the state as centres of inspiration, enabling young people to learn about the Army’s traditions of courage, sacrifice, and service.

The Chief Minister said respecting soldiers is the national duty of every citizen, adding that when society stands firmly with its armed forces, the nation becomes stronger. He called upon people to always remember the sacrifices of martyrs, honour serving and retired soldiers, uphold the dignity of war widows, and remain committed to safeguarding India’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty.

During the programme, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma honoured the families of Kargil martyrs, war widows, serving military officers, and ex-servicemen. He also distributed employment letters to retired soldiers through REXSCO.

Soldier Welfare Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore said the Kargil War represented not only a military victory but also a triumph of India’s national character. He noted that citizens across the country stood firmly behind the armed forces during the conflict and paid tribute to heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra, whose supreme sacrifice ensured the nation’s security. He said the principles of “Naam, Namak aur Nishan” (Name, Honour, and Regimental Pride) continue to strengthen the spirit of service among India’s soldiers.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas Shaurya Sandhya programme also featured poetry dedicated to the Kargil War and its martyrs, while the Indian Army Band presented patriotic musical performances.

Among those present were Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Sapta Shakti Command, Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, Soldier Welfare Board Chairman Prem Singh Bajor, Chief of Staff, Sapta Shakti Command, Lieutenant General Padam Singh Shekhawat, former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Madhvendra Singh, families of fallen soldiers, war widows, serving military officers, and a large number of ex-servicemen.