Kargil Vijay Diwas: 100-ft Tricolour hoisted, Sardar Patel statue unveiled in Surat
Synopsis
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi gave Surat's Mota Varachha a permanent landmark: a 100-foot Tricolour at Ram Chowk, paired with the unveiling of a Sardar Patel statue — turning an annual commemoration into a lasting civic monument.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi led the Kargil Vijay Diwas programme in Surat on 26 July .
A 100-foot national flag was hoisted at Ram Chowk , Mota Varachha, as a permanent landmark.
A statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was unveiled at the same venue.
Floral tributes were paid to soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War .
Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya and local residents, students, and leaders attended the event.
A 100-foot national flag was hoisted and a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was unveiled at Ram Chowk in the Mota Varachha area of Surat on 26 July, as Gujarat marked Kargil Vijay Diwas with a public ceremony led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The event brought together public representatives, local leaders, students, and residents to honour soldiers who gave their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.
The Ceremony at Ram Chowk
The 100-foot Tricolour, installed near Sudama Chowk in Mota Varachha, has been established as a permanent landmark in the locality. The flag hoisting was followed by the unveiling of a statue of Sardar Patel, described by organisers as the 'architect of a united India.' Floral tributes were offered to fallen soldiers, and participants collectively took a pledge to uphold the dignity of the national flag.
What Sanghavi Said
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the installation went beyond a physical structure. 'This is not merely the installation of a flag, but a living symbol of patriotism, national unity, valour and unwavering faith in glorious India. This historic initiative has become a moment of pride for the entire area and will continue to inspire future generations with the spirit of patriotism,' he said.
Sanghavi also expressed satisfaction at seeing citizens, students, and families turn out for what he called a historic moment of national pride.
Who Was Present
Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya was among the dignitaries present alongside local residents and students. The event was organised as part of the broader national observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, which marks 26 years since India's victory in the Kargil conflict.
Significance of the Occasion
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on 26 July, commemorates India's recapture of strategic positions from Pakistani forces in the high-altitude Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999. The Surat event is part of a wider pattern of civic and government-led tributes held across the country on this date. Notably, the permanent installation of the Tricolour at Ram Chowk gives the commemoration a lasting physical dimension beyond the annual ceremony.
The pledge taken at the event called on the community to collectively enhance the honour of the Tricolour and uphold national pride — a gesture that organisers said would serve as an enduring reminder of the sacrifices made during the Kargil War.
Point of View
Statue unveilings, and mass pledge-taking now standard features. The pairing of the Tricolour installation with a Sardar Patel statue is deliberate symbolism: Patel's legacy as the integrator of India maps neatly onto the unity-and-valour messaging that defines BJP-led state events. What is less clear is how these installations are maintained over time, and whether the communities they are meant to inspire have a role beyond attendance. The ritual of the pledge is powerful; the follow-through is harder to measure.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Surat on Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025?
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi led a ceremony at Ram Chowk in Mota Varachha, Surat, on 26 July, where a 100-foot national flag was hoisted and a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was unveiled. Floral tributes were also paid to soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War.
Where exactly is the 100-foot Tricolour installed in Surat?
The 100-foot Tricolour has been installed at Ram Chowk, near Sudama Chowk, in the Mota Varachha area of Surat. It has been designated a permanent landmark for the locality.
What is Kargil Vijay Diwas and why is it observed on 26 July?
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to mark India's victory over Pakistani forces in the high-altitude Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999. The date commemorates the day Indian armed forces recaptured all occupied positions, and tributes are held nationwide to honour soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.
Who attended the Kargil Vijay Diwas event in Surat?
The event was attended by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya, local public representatives, students, and residents of the Mota Varachha area.
What pledge was taken at the Ram Chowk ceremony?
Participants collectively took a pledge to uphold the dignity of the national flag and strengthen the spirit of patriotism. The pledge called on the community to enhance the honour of the Tricolour at Ram Chowk and uphold national pride.
