Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday, 26 July 2026, flagged off the 'Run for Kargil Heroes' marathon at Shaurya Sthal, Cheedbagh, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas. He laid a wreath at the war memorial to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the 1999 Kargil War.

Context

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to commemorate India's military victory over Pakistani forces in the high-altitude conflict of 1999, when Indian soldiers evicted intruders from occupied positions across the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Shaurya Sthal in Dehradun has served as Uttarakhand's principal venue for official tributes to armed forces martyrs since the state's formation in 2000.

Speaking at the event, CM Dhami described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of the Indian Army's 'adamya sahas, parakram, shaurya aur rashtra ke prati atoot samarpan' (indomitable courage, valour, gallantry, and unwavering dedication to the nation). He said the country will remain forever indebted to the sacrifice of its brave soldiers and martyrs.

Policy Backdrop

Uttarakhand has one of the highest per-capita military recruitment rates in India, with storied regiments such as the Garhwal Rifles and the Kumaon Regiment drawing heavily from the state's Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. The state government has consistently combined commemorative events with welfare commitments for veterans and their families.

CM Dhami reiterated that the state government is continuously working for the welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their dependants, and is fully committed to protecting their honour and interests. Sainik Kalyan Minister Ganesh Joshi was present at the event, underscoring the government's institutional focus on veteran welfare.

Stakeholders and Impact

The event drew a large gathering of ex-servicemen, youth, women, and other dignitaries from across the region. The marathon format was designed to engage the public — particularly young people — in a participatory tribute to Kargil heroes, moving the commemoration beyond a purely ceremonial function.

CM Dhami called on youth to draw inspiration from the ideals of the martyrs, contribute actively to nation-building, and faithfully discharge their responsibilities towards the unity, integrity, and security of the country. He noted that Uttarakhand is widely recognised as 'veeraon ki bhoomi' (the land of brave warriors), and that soldiers from the state have brought glory to the nation across multiple military operations, including the Kargil War.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to whether the Uttarakhand Sainik Kalyan department follows the commemorative event with concrete welfare announcements for veterans and martyrs' families — a pattern seen in previous years. The scale of public and ex-servicemen participation in the event is also expected to inform planning for future Kargil Vijay Diwas observances in the state.

As Uttarakhand continues to balance its military heritage with developmental priorities, events such as the 'Run for Kargil Heroes' marathon serve as a visible signal of the state government's intent to keep soldier welfare and national security consciousness at the centre of its public engagement.