Defence Minister lights Victory Flame to Mark 20 Years of Kargil War

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lighted Victory Flame at National War Memorial in New Delhi on 14 July 2019 to begin celebrations of 20th Anniversary of victory in Operation Vijay (Kargil War 1999) at Kargil (in Kargil district of Ladakh region), in Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Highlights

The year 2019 marks 20th anniversary of successful culmination of Operation Vijay wherein brave soldiers of Indian Army overcame seemingly insurmountable odds, hostile terrain, weather, and determined enemy (Pakistan) occupying dominating heights, to win Kargil war.

Theme of 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas- Remember, Rejoice and Renew which stads for- The country all together ‘remember’ our martyrs by revisiting their sacrifices, ‘rejoice’ by celebrating victory in Kargil and ‘renew’ our resolve to safeguard honour of Tricolour.

The Victory Flame was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with General Bipin Rawat, COAS, Subedar Sanjay Kumar, PVC who handed it over to ace army shooter Subedar Jitu Rai, as 1st torch bearer of the Flame.

Events Planned:

Indian Army is celebrating this kargil war victory in memory of its brave martyrs with events covering a myriad spectrum.

Relay of Victory Flame from National War Memorial (in New Delhi) to Kargil War Memorial (in Dras). Indian Army’s outstanding sportsmen and war heroes will be carrying Victory Flame.

It will pass through 9 major towns/cities of North India and finally culminate at Kargil War Memorial located at Dras on 26 July 2019, where it will be received by General Bipin Rawat, COAS.

All along journey of Victory Flame, Indian Army personnel will be paying homage to heroes who fought valiantly for Nation.

About Victory Flame

It symbolizes coalescence of souls of Kargil War martyrs.

Its design has been inspired by grit, guts and glory displayed by immortals who made supreme sacrifice for motherland in finest tradition of Indian Army.

Torch of Victory Flame is made of copper, brass and wood which symbolizes tenacity and determination of country’s fallen heroes.

Torch Symbolism–

Upper portion of Torch has a metal etching of Amar Jawan that epitomizes fallen Unknown Soldiers.

Lower portion of Torch is Wooden and it has 20 gold embossed inscriptions of Amar Jawan exemplifying 20 glorious years of Kargil Victory.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019