Srinagar: Vajr Division of the Indian Army organised a Capability Building Tour to Kargil to inspire and educate the youth about the nation’s history and heritage and sacrifices given by Army to safeguard it. A total of 35 students accompanied by three teachers from Higher Secondary Schools of Trehgam & Drugmulla block of Kupwara district embarked on a motivational tour. The students were officially flagged off by Maj Gen K Mohan Nair, YSM, SM, GOC, 28 Infantry Division at Udaan School, Drugmulla on 16 October 2024. This program was organised to commemorate the Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay Diwas wherein soldiers laid their life to safeguard Jammu & Kashmir from Western Adversary. This three day/ ni tour was aimed at visit to the Kargil War Memorial, Drass where the students were briefed about the operations undertaken by the Indian Army during the 1999 Kargil War to push out the Pakistani infiltrators.Day one of the tour was completely focussed on visit to Kargil town & one forward locality to provide insights into operations undertaken during Operation VIJAY. The students also visited Heritage village at Hunderman to provide glimpses of rich culture. On the second day the students paid tribute at the central feature of the Kargil War Memorial at Drass -a wall of pink sandstone bearing a brass plaque engraved with the names of soldiers who gave their lives during Operation VIJAY. They also visited the Captain Manoj Pandey Gallery, which honours soldiers posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for their exemplary bravery during the conflict and the Kargil museum. The students were also taken to the Tibetan market at Drass for shopping & cultural insights.The visit left an indelible impression on the young minds, instilling in them a sense of Patriotism and administration for the Armed Forces. The tour included a short halt at Sonamarg to provide the glimpses of natural beauty of the place. The tour aimed at enriching the students’ knowledge about the pivotal role of community members in guarding the country’s borders in the unforgiving terrain of the region. The Indian Army’s initiative to organise such motivational tour reflects its commitment to nurturing youth, fostering national integration and contributing the nation building.
