First-ever state tribute to Veer Naris in Dharamsala on July 26

The 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas will be observed with solemn pride on Saturday at a grand state-level ceremony at the historic war memorial in Dharamsala. In a landmark initiative, the event will, for the first time, honour the Veer Naris — the courageous women who lost their husbands in the 1999 Kargil War.

Col (Dr) Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Sainik Welfare, will lead the tributes as the chief guest and will felicitate the Veer Naris at a special ceremony at the adjacent war museum. Lt. Gen Rajan Sharawat has also been invited to grace the occasion, following an invitation by the War Memorial Society.

“This year’s Vijay Diwas is historic — the immense strength and sacrifice of the Veer Naris is being officially recognised for the first time,” said Col Gopal Guleria, Deputy Director, Zila Sainik Welfare.

The Kargil conflict of 1999 claimed the lives of 527 Indian soldiers, including 52 from Himachal Pradesh. Kangra alone lost 15 brave sons. Among the most revered are Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) of Palampur and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (PVC) of Bilaspur.

Saturday’s tribute stands as a lasting salute to the martyrs and their families, reaffirming the state’s deep gratitude.