‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ Led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in Dras
Central Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Shri Sanjay Seth led the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ in Dras to commemorate 26 years of India’s victory in the Kargil War
More than 3,000 MY Bharat youth volunteers paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation
Youth were urged to dedicate themselves towards building a strong, self-reliant and developed India
Date: 26 July 2025Location: Dras, Kargil, Ladakh
To commemorate 26 years of India’s historic victory in the 1999 Kargil War, MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ at Dras in Kargil on July 26, 2025. The padyatra was led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya along with Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth. More than 3,000 MY Bharat youth volunteers, ex-servicemen, armed forces personnel, families of martyrs and members of civil society participated in the event and paid tribute to the brave soldiers of the nation.
The padyatra covered a symbolic 1.5 km route from Himabas Public High School Ground to Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet. Cultural performances showcasing the traditions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh added vibrancy to the occasion and reflected the spirit of unity and patriotism.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that Kargil is not merely a place in history but a living symbol of India’s resilience, courage and unwavering national spirit. He emphasized that whenever the sovereignty of the nation is challenged, India stands united and responds with determination and strength.
The Union Minister called upon the youth to embrace the spirit of ‘Rashtra Sarvopari’ and actively contribute towards the mission of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He said that it is now the responsibility of India’s youth power to carry forward the dreams of the brave soldiers and contribute towards building a strong and self-reliant India.
Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth appreciated the enthusiasm of the youth and encouraged them to imbibe discipline, patriotism and commitment inspired by the heroes of Kargil.
Following the padyatra, both ministers, along with 100 MY Bharat youth volunteers, visited the Kargil War Memorial and offered floral tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. Dr. Mandaviya also felicitated 26 women bikers of the Shakti Udgosh Foundation, who completed a long-distance motorcycle rally to honour the martyrs.
As part of the programme, a symbolic plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign was also organised, linking patriotism with environmental responsibility.
Prior to the padyatra, MY Bharat organised essay writing, painting competitions, elocution contests and Yuva Samvaads across villages in the region to deepen civic engagement, strengthen patriotic spirit and inspire youth participation in nation-building activities.