Kargil Vijay Divas

Article Title: Kargil Vijay Divas

18-08-2023

History & Art and Culture Prelims Plus

Why is in news? The Indian Army proudly unveiled ‘Battle of Minds’ - Indian Army Quiz 2023 along with its captivating logo

To announce the commencement of 25th year of Kargil Vijay Divas celebrations, the quiz competition celebrates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War rendering a heartfelt tribute to the bravery and courage of those who made that victory possible.

This landmark initiative, symbolized by the newly revealed logo, underscores Army's commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and inspiring young minds across the Nation.

The event celebrates the past and aims to ignite a spirit of curiosity and learning among the youth, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

The logo, name, and tagline of this initiative converge to encapsulate profound significance, resonating with the esteemed legacy of the Indian Army.

The formation sign shape of the logo evokes an abiding sense of unity and discipline, while the base maroon colour with the metallic bronze colour border reflects strength and resilience.

The name "Battle of Minds" symbolizes intellectual vigour with the tagline emphasising victory, bravery and heroism. The crossed swords and Ashoka pillar signify readiness, duty, and honour which embody the indomitable spirit and dedication of the Indian Army.

In an evocative blend of homage and innovation, "Battle of Minds" emerges as a powerful catalyst, propelling the nation's youth towards enlightenment and empowerment.

As symbolized by its poignant logo, this visionary stride honours the spirit of the Kargil War and cements the Indian Army's commitment to a future where unity, knowledge, and curiosity converge - fostering leaders for shaping the destiny of our nation.

About the war:

It is celebrated on July 26 every year.

The day commemorates the victory of the Indian armed forces in the Kargil War fought against Pakistan.

The day is observed to pay tribute and honour the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers in the war of 1999.

The year 2023 marks the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Key Facts about Kargil War:

It was fought between India and Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Kargil War was an unexpected intrusion by Pakistani forces into Indian territory.

They occupied key vantage points in the Kargil region, leading to intense military engagements.

The Indian Army fought bravely and recaptured the famous 'Tiger Hill' and other important posts around under 'Operation Vijay' by evicting the Pakistani troops in the 1999 Kargil War.

High Altitude Warfare: It was fought at extreme altitudes, with some of the battlegrounds reaching heights of over 18,000 feet.

Duration: It lasted for approximately three months.

The Indian Army employed heavy artillery, air power as well as major infantry operations during the Kargil War.

In a first, the Indian side used the Bofors FH-77B howitzers to shoot down enemy positions nested at top of the mountains.

Israel provided their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to India during the conflict.

The war came to an end on July 26, 1999, when India successfully pushed back the Pakistani forces from the occupied positions.

As per official figures, around 500 Indian soldiers laid down their lives while at least 1,000 Pakistani troops were also killed. It was the last war that happened between India and Pakistan.