Defence Minister Rajnath Flags Off Shaurya Vijay Yatra
13-day motorcycle expedition to honour Kargil War heroes begins from National War Memorial
- Rajnath Singh flags off Shaurya Vijay Yatra from New Delhi.
- Twenty-eight riders will travel 1,900 km to the Kargil War Memorial.
- Expedition will conclude on Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26.
- Raksha Mantri says the 1999 victory reflects India’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th July: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the 13-day Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a commemorative motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, as part of the nationwide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026.
The expedition will see 28 riders, including serving and retired armed forces personnel and their family members, cover nearly 1,900 kilometres through the Himalayan region to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The yatra is being conducted under the theme “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.”
Paying homage to the brave soldiers of Operation Vijay, Rajnath Singh said the victory in the 1999 Kargil conflict symbolises India’s enduring determination to respond with full strength to any threat against its land, identity and national honour.
He recalled the extraordinary courage displayed by Indian soldiers while fighting at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet in sub-zero temperatures, stating that they recaptured every strategic peak, hill and bunker from enemy control while upholding the dignity of the Tricolour.
The Defence Minister also paid tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd.) and Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd.), describing them as enduring inspirations for the nation’s youth.
During the expedition, the riders will visit major military memorials, including the Chandimandir War Memorial, Rezang La War Memorial and Leh War Memorial. They will also interact with Veer Naris to honour their courage and resilience.
An urn carrying sacred soil from the National War Memorial will accompany the riders and will be offered at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, symbolising the nation’s collective tribute to the fallen heroes.
Rajnath Singh said the expedition reflects India’s unity, bringing together serving personnel, veterans and civilians from diverse backgrounds under one national flag. He expressed confidence that the yatra would inspire patriotism among the youth and reinforce the values of duty, honour and selfless service.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, senior defence officials and NCC cadets attended the flag-off ceremony.
