HYDERABAD, JULY 26, 2025: Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma presided as the Chief Guest at an inspiring ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad, to mark the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas—commemorating India’s historic victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The event was jointly organised by the Raj Bhavan in collaboration with the Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) Command.
To mark the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor unveiled a portrait of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, in the historic precincts of Raj Bhavan. Offering floral tributes, the Governor paid glowing homage to Shri Vajpayee’s statesmanship and resolute leadership, which galvanised the nation during the Kargil conflict.
In his address, the Governor delivered a stirring tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. Remembering the legendary bravery of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra and the 526 martyrs of Operation Vijay, he remarked, “Our freedom today breathes because they gave their blood—freely, fearlessly, and with faith.” Drawing inspiration from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Swami Vivekananda, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Governor urged all citizens to lead lives worthy of such supreme sacrifice.
Quoting the inscription at the Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland, the Governor reminded the gathering:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today.” He lauded the enduring spirit of India’s soldiers who, in every generation, continue to sacrifice so that the nation may thrive in peace and freedom.
As part of the commemoration, personnel from the Armed Forces presented a poignant depiction of a soldier’s journey—from training to the frontlines—through dramatic reenactments and heartfelt narratives. The moving tribute evoked deep emotion among the audience, particularly the families of the fallen heroes.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including: Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) N.A.K. Browne, PVSM, AVSM, VM, former Chief of the Air Staff. Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) V.R. Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, former Chief of the Air Staff, M. Dana Kishore, IAS, Principal Secretary to Governor, Major General Ajay Mishra, GOC, Telangana & Andhra Sub Area, Major General R.D. Sharma, GOC, 54 Division, Air Vice Marshal P.S. Wadodkar, Commandant, College of Air Warfare and others.
Also present were senior veteran officers, Kargil War veterans, gallantry award recipients, serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces, and Veer Naris—the gallant spouses of Kargil martyrs—along with their family members.
The Hon’ble Governor felicitated the Veer Naris and Armed Forces dignitaries, offering heartfelt appreciation for their strength, resilience, and immeasurable service to the nation.
The commemoration concluded with a collective resolve to uphold the ideals of courage, unity, and patriotism that defined India’s victory in Kargil.
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