A soldier may remain unsung but will never be forgotten, living on in the hearts of people till the end of time. Today is a day of immense pride and joy for every Indian as we as a nation celebrate a day that marks the valour, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of our armed forces who fought bravely in the Kargil War of 1999. A reminder of not just our glorious victory but also a solemn tribute to the indomitable spirit of our soldiers who stood steadfast in the face of adversity to protect our nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

The silver jubilee not only commemorates a significant military triumph but also honours the enduring spirit of bravery, sacrifice and patriotism that defines our armed forces in Captain Vikram Batra’s words, “Yeh Dil Mange More.”

Twenty-five years ago, the mountains of Kargil bore witness to a battle fought with unparalleled courage and determination, as our soldiers reclaimed what was rightfully ours, showcasing the might and resolve of our nation. As we reflect on the legacy of Kargil and pay homage to those who laid down their lives for our motherland, we are reminded of the profound sense of duty that propelled them to victory. Cinema has celebrated the victory of Kargil drawing inspiration from the courageous tales of the battle fought in 1999, honouring the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives to preserve the country’s sovereignty.

Let’s relive Kargil’s heroic tales with cinematic gems on the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

LOC: Kargil 

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film is a fictional story based on the Kargil War of 1999. The film follows the life of an irresponsible and aimless youngster who joins the Indian Army only because his friend was doing so. However, over time he becomes focused and disciplined, finally fighting the Kargil War and emerging victorious as a true hero. The film, which motivated several young men to join the Army, completed 20 years last month. The film starred Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan and Boman Irani. 

Another hero who made the country extremely proud at a very young age is Indian Air Force officer Gunjan Saxena. During the Kargil War, she was the only woman from the Indian Armed Forces to fly into war zones. She transported supplies to troops and evacuated wounded soldiers. Janhvi Kapoor played the role of the brave Gunjan in the film giving us a glimpse of the hero’s bravery.

An unforgettable tale of valour, sacrifice and patriotism is one of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra. The soldier who fought till his last breath in the Kargil War was shot while dragging an injured soldier to safety. A brave leader and an inspiration till date, his code name during the war was Shershaah. Sidharth Malhotra wonderfully portrayed Captain Vikram Batra on screen in the film which will make you even more proud of the nation you belong to.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a day of remembrance but also a day of reflection and gratitude. It reminds us of the cost of freedom and the courage required to maintain it. Let us honour our brave soldiers by working towards a nation that values peace, respects sacrifice and cherishes the hard-won liberty. As we pay homage to our heroes in uniform, let us pledge to carry forward their legacy with pride and responsibility, ensuring that their sacrifices have not gone waste and continue to inspire generations to come.