Guwahati, July 26: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya led the state in paying homage to the fallen heroes of the 1999 Kargil War by laying a floral wreath at the State War Memorial at Dighalipukhuri on the occasion of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The solemn ceremony, organised by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, honoured the unwavering courage and supreme sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Vijay. Governor Acharya, received with full military honours, including a ceremonial bugle call and NCC General Salute, laid the wreath at the Amar Jawan memorial. Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as retired officers, ex-servicemen, veer naris, veer matas, and families of Kargil War heroes.
Brig (retired) Polash Choudhury, Director of Sainik Welfare and a Kargil war veteran, laid a wreath on behalf of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Notable among the participants was Col (Retd.) Dilip Kumar Borah, former CO of 18 Grenadiers, shared personal battlefield experiences.
In his address, the Governor recalled the harsh conditions of the Kargil War and paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers. “They braved sub-zero temperatures, treacherous terrain, and relentless enemy fire. Operation Vijay is a testimony to their unparalleled bravery,” he said. He also invoked the legacy of martyrs like Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Jintu Gogoi, calling their sacrifices “enduring legacies of patriotism, commitment, and service.”
Highlighting the continuity of India’s military readiness, Acharya cited Operation Sindoor under Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a modern reflection of the armed forces’ strength and resilience. “The courage of our soldiers is ongoing. Our strength lies in their selfless service,” he said.
The Governor called on citizens—especially youth—to live by the ideals embodied by the armed forces: courage, unity, and national service. “Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just about remembrance. It’s a reminder of the values that define a democratic India,” he added. He also expressed deep gratitude to the families of the martyrs, describing them as the silent backbone of India’s defence.
A special felicitation ceremony honoured veer naris and veer matas, recognising their fortitude. Lt Gen (Retd.) R.P. Kalita and Lt Gen (Retd.) P.K. Bharali delivered stirring tributes, recalling the bravery and determination of India’s soldiers.
The event concluded with cultural performances by NCC cadets and students from the Army School Narengi. Their skits and patriotic songs stirred deep emotions of pride and unity among attendees.
Commodore K.C. Choudhury, Group Captain Debananda Gohain of the Indian Air Force, serving and retired soldiers, veer mataa and veer naaris, and their families attended the programme.
Across the nation, July 26 was marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas—commemorating India’s victory in 1999 when the Armed Forces recaptured high-altitude positions from Pakistani intruders, restoring the sanctity of the Line of Control.
