26-07-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor at Shaurya Sthal, Dehradun on the Occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Jai Hind!

Distinguished soldiers, veterans, Veer Naris, families of our martyrs, respected public representatives, officers, NCC and NSS volunteers, my dear young friends, and the esteemed citizens gathered here at Shaurya Sthal on the sacred land of Devbhoomi, Veerbhoomi, and Sainikbhoomi Uttarakhand,

Today, on the auspicious occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we have assembled to pay our heartfelt tribute, gratitude, and respect to the immortal heroes who made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the honour, dignity, and sovereignty of our nation.

I bow in profound reverence to all those brave sons of Mother India whose indomitable courage, unwavering resolve, and unparalleled sacrifice have preserved the glory of our nation. Their sacrifice is not merely a chapter in history; it is an eternal flame that continues to illuminate the soul of India.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a commemoration of a military victory. It is a celebration of India’s national identity, sovereignty, the unmatched capability of our Armed Forces, and the unshakeable confidence of every Indian. This day reminds us that whenever the unity and self-respect of our nation have been challenged, our brave soldiers have written history with their blood and secured victory.

In 1999, on the snow-clad and treacherous heights of Kargil, Indian soldiers displayed extraordinary valour that remains one of the finest chapters in the annals of military history. The enemy occupied commanding heights, the weather was unforgiving, and temperatures were several degrees below freezing. Yet, the courage of our soldiers rose higher than the Himalayas, and their determination proved stronger than the rocks they climbed.

The immortal words of Captain Vikram Batra, PVC—”Yeh Dil Maange More”—continue to inspire patriotism in every Indian heart. His pledge, “Either I will return after hoisting the Tricolour, or I will return wrapped in it—but I will return,” was not merely the promise of a soldier; it was the voice of India’s indomitable spirit. Our brave warriors fulfilled that pledge with their blood and hoisted the Tricolour proudly atop the peaks of Kargil.

As a soldier myself, I know well that wars are not won by weapons alone. They are won through unwavering morale, rigorous discipline, exemplary leadership, relentless training, teamwork, and complete dedication to the nation. The heroes of Kargil proved that when resolve is steadfast, even the most formidable peaks of the Himalayas bow before victory.

I take immense pride in the fact that Uttarakhand is known not only as Devbhoomi, but also as Veerbhoomi and Sainikbhoomi. Patriotism flows through the soil of this state as a cherished tradition. It is difficult to find a village here from which no family has served in the Indian Armed Forces or contributed to the defence of the nation.

During the Kargil War as well, many brave sons of Uttarakhand displayed exceptional courage, and numerous heroes laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Their sacrifice is not only the pride of Uttarakhand but of the entire nation. Their stories of valour will continue to inspire generations to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.

Today, I also pay my respectful tribute to all the Veer Naris, who offered their life partners in the service of the nation. I express my deep gratitude to the parents, families of our martyrs, and our veterans.

A soldier never fights alone at the border. Behind every soldier stands a family that serves the nation with equal courage, patience, and sacrifice. Therefore, it is our moral duty as a society to remain ever committed to the dignity, welfare, and security of our martyrs’ families, Veer Naris, and injured soldiers. That alone will be our true tribute to their sacrifice.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India has made remarkable progress in strengthening national security, fortifying its borders, achieving self-reliance in defence, and modernising its Armed Forces.

Today, indigenous defence production, cutting-edge military technology, robust border infrastructure, and the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat are taking India’s national strength to new heights. The Prime Minister’s mantra of “Nation First” is not merely a slogan; it should serve as the guiding principle of every Indian’s life.

My dear young friends,

The victory of Kargil is not only a matter of pride from our past but also a guide for our future. The nature of warfare is changing rapidly. Today, battles are fought not only on our borders but also in cyberspace, artificial intelligence, outer space, information, technology, and the realm of narratives.

Therefore, today’s youth must be empowered not only physically but also intellectually, technologically, morally, and ethically. The responsibility of defending the nation does not rest solely with soldiers at the border. Every citizen strengthens national security by performing their duties with honesty, dedication, and integrity.

I am pleased that organisations such as the NCC, NSS, and various youth groups are reinforcing this spirit of nation-building. I urge our young people to draw inspiration from the heroes of Kargil—their discipline, courage, leadership, sacrifice, and patriotism. Strive for excellence in every sphere of life, and make “Nation First” the guiding principle of your actions.

As India moves forward with the resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047, we must remember that secure borders are the strongest foundation of a prosperous and developed nation. We must continue to strengthen our Armed Forces with advanced technology, state-of-the-art resources, innovation, and self-reliant defence production so that no adversary ever dares to cast an evil eye upon India’s sovereignty.

Kargil Vijay Diwas also teaches us that when a nation stands united, leadership is resolute, and the morale of its soldiers remains unbreakable, no challenge is insurmountable and no victory is beyond reach. This is India’s greatest strength and the essence of our timeless national tradition.

Let us, on this sacred occasion, pledge ourselves to safeguarding the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of our nation; to honouring our brave soldiers; to fulfilling our responsibilities towards the families of our martyrs with unwavering commitment; and, inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s mantra of “Nation First,” to actively contribute towards building a secure, self-reliant, developed, and glorious India.

In conclusion, as I once again pay my humble tribute to all the immortal heroes of Kargil, I would like to say that true respect for our martyrs is not expressed merely by offering flowers at memorials. It is demonstrated by dedicating our very best efforts to building the India of their dreams.

Let us resolve that through every action in our lives, we shall ensure that the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India are never compromised. While our soldiers defend the nation at its borders, let us strengthen the nation through our character, our sense of duty, and our conduct.

“Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama.”
“This is for the Nation, not for myself.”

With these words, I conclude my address.

Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!