In a poignant tribute to the Bravehearts who sacrificed their lives during Operation VIJAY, the Dras Thunder Motorcycle Rally was ceremoniously flagged off today from Cariappa Parade Ground, New Delhi. Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Vice Chief of Army Staff, presided over the flag-off ceremony, attended by Lieutenant General YK Joshi (Retired), senior officers, veterans, and civilian dignitaries.

Comprising an Officer and 19 soldiers of 13 JAK RIFLES (KARGIL), including gallantry awardees Subedar Mehar Singh, Vir Chakra, and Naib Subedar Kewal Kumar, Sena Medal, the rally embarks on a 1029 km journey to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. This initiative is part of the Rajat Jayanti celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas, aiming to honor the Indian Army’s victory 25 years ago.

The rally, traversing challenging terrain, aims to commemorate the courage and determination displayed by the Indian Army during the Kargil War. Along the route, the team plans to engage in motivational talks at premier institutes and meet over 100 Gallantry Award Winners, veterans, and Veer Naris to express gratitude for their contributions during Operation VIJAY.

The journey culminates on June 20, 2024, at the historic Kargil War Memorial, where Subedar Mehar Singh and Naib Subedar Kewal Kumar had shown extraordinary valor in capturing strategic peaks. The unit, 13 JAK RIFLES (KARGIL), renowned for its gallantry in both the 1971 Indo-Pak War and Operation VIJAY, has been honored with Battle Honours and Theatre Honours for its heroic achievements.

The Dras Thunder Motorcycle Rally not only pays tribute to the sacrifices of war heroes but also reinforces the enduring bond between the armed forces and the nation, embodying the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.