SRINAGAR: The 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations concluded in Drass on Friday with a powerful blend of military tribute, cultural homage, technological showcase, and grassroots empowerment, putting the spotlight on women-led entrepreneurship in Kargil and the sacrifices of India’s armed forces during the 1999 Kargil War.
The two-day commemorative event, held at the Vishwanathan Stadium and Kargil War Memorial in Drass, was marked by traditional performances, an emotionally charged tribute to war heroes, and an exhibition that celebrated the success of women farmers and entrepreneurs in the region.
Union Ministers Mansukh L. Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth led the commemorations, laying wreaths at the war memorial alongside senior Army officials and the Next of Kin (NoK) of martyrs. “Paying tribute to our martyrs is not just a ceremony—it is our national duty,” said MoS Defence Sanjay Seth.
One of the standout moments of the celebration was the exhibition by the Family Welfare Organisation (Forever in Ops Division), where women from Kargil showcased their locally produced organic goods including Apricot Energy Bars, natural juices, woollens, and handmade soaps made from apricot and walnut oils. Produced at the Women Empowerment Centre in Kumbathang, the soaps drew considerable attention for their export-ready quality.
Union Minister Mandaviya visited the stall and praised the initiative, calling it “a model for sustainable development.” He noted that such grassroots initiatives were pivotal for empowering women and promoting self-reliance in remote regions like Ladakh.
Speaking to reporters, Shikha Krishnan, Chairperson of the Family Welfare Organisation, shared that skill development programmes including computer literacy, stitching, knitting, food processing, and soap making were being conducted across Kargil. “These women have gone from trainees to entrepreneurs—producing goods ready for national and global markets,” she said.
The Indian Army also used the platform to demonstrate its expanding technological edge, unveiling high-altitude logistic drones and robotic dogs designed to transport supplies and patrol difficult terrain—an innovation aimed at reducing the physical burden on troops stationed in remote locations.
Friday evening’s grand finale featured a Yak dance, patriotic musical tributes, and a drone show—visually narrating India’s defence advancements. The emotional Vijay Bhoj (Victory Feast) brought together soldiers, families of martyrs, and civilians in a shared moment of unity and pride.
On Saturday, the Army is scheduled to launch three digital initiatives, including a website for online tributes to martyrs, QR-based audio guides at the memorial narrating war stories, and the opening of “Indus Viewpoint” in Batalik, offering civilians a rare glimpse of the Line of Control.
The events served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Kargil War and showcased how the Indian Army’s mission continues beyond defence—contributing to social welfare, women empowerment, and national development in the border regions of Ladakh.
