Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday, 25 July called the Kargil War 'a living lesson in patriotism, discipline and leadership', pledging that the state government would display war trophies in schools, colleges and universities across Rajasthan so that the Indian Army's bravery reaches every citizen. Sharma was speaking at the Kargil Vijay Diwas Shaurya Sandhya programme held at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur.

Tribute to the Fallen

Sharma paid homage to the 527 Indian soldiers martyred during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the more than 1,300 who were injured. He specifically honoured the 58 soldiers from Rajasthan who made the supreme sacrifice, naming Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja and Captain Amit Bhardwaj among them. He also remembered war heroes Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Saurabh Kalia.

'The Kargil victory is a symbol of India's pride, valour and courage. From Tiger Hill to Tololing, and from Batalik to Dras, our brave soldiers hoisted the Tricolour once again on every strategic peak,' Sharma said.

The Battle at Altitude

Recounting the scale of the conflict, the Chief Minister noted that Indian soldiers fought for nearly 85 days at altitudes ranging between 15,000 and 18,000 feet under freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels and treacherous terrain. 'Despite these conditions, the morale of our soldiers never wavered. They displayed extraordinary courage and reclaimed every inch of occupied territory,' he said.

Sharma described the Kargil victory as not merely a military success but a triumph of national self-respect, adding: 'Our brave soldiers proved that no force can defeat a nation whose Army's morale stands higher than the Himalayas.'

Defence Policy and Atmanirbhar Bharat

Highlighting the Centre's defence priorities, Sharma said national security has been the foremost concern under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed to the country's push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, citing indigenous platforms such as the Tejas fighter aircraft and the BrahMos missile system as evidence of accelerating domestic defence production.

'India's security policy has become stronger, clearer and more decisive. Our armed forces are being equipped with modern technology, while border infrastructure has been strengthened,' Sharma said. He also referenced the surgical strikes of 2016, the Balakot air strikes of 2019 and Operation Sindoor as markers of India's decisive approach to national security.

Welfare Measures for Ex-Servicemen and Martyrs' Families

Sharma outlined a series of welfare steps taken by the Rajasthan government. The state has allotted 25 bighas of land to dependents of martyred soldiers and gallantry award winners, and provided government jobs to 154 dependents of martyrs and 47 dependents of other servicemen.

A total of 418 district-level camps were organised to resolve pension-related grievances of ex-servicemen, settling 1,228 cases. The honorarium of ex-servicemen engaged through the Rajasthan Ex-Servicemen Corporation (REXCO) has been raised by 10 per cent in both 2024 and 2025. New District Sainik Welfare Offices have been opened in Beawar, Khairthal-Tijara and Phalodi, with legal aid clinics established in 18 such offices.

He also noted that the 78th Army Day Parade, held in Jaipur earlier this year, showcased the Indian Army's modern capabilities including indigenous defence equipment, missiles and advanced military platforms. With war trophies set to enter classrooms and welfare infrastructure expanding, the Rajasthan government has signalled that remembrance of Kargil will be institutionalised beyond annual commemorations.