DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, June 13
In a poignant tribute to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation VIJAY, the Dras Thunder Motorcycle Rally was ceremoniously flagged off today from Cariappa Parade Ground, New Delhi, by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Vice Chief of Army Staff. The flag-off ceremony was graced by Lieutenant General YK Joshi (Retired), senior serving officers, veterans, and civilian dignitaries.
The Dras Thunder Motorcycle Rally comprises an officer and 19 soldiers of the 13 JAK RIFLES (KARGIL). Subedar Mehar Singh, Vir Chakra, and Naib Subedar Kewal Kumar, Sena Medal, members of the team, are Op VIJAY gallantry awardees who actively participated in the capture of Pt 4875 and Pt 5140.
The rally will embark on a journey from Cariappa Parade Ground, New Delhi, to the Kargil War Memorial, Dras, as part of the Rajat Jayanti celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The rally aims to pay homage to the Indian Army braves who brought victory during the Kargil War 25 years ago. Riding with a sense of purpose, the motorcycle rally will cover a distance of 1,029 km through challenging terrain, echoing the spirit and determination displayed by the Indian Army on the battlefield. This unique initiative seeks to pay tribute to the war heroes and inspire the younger generation by conducting motivational talks at premier institutes en route.
The team is slated to meet over 100 Gallantry Award Winners, veterans, and Veer Naris along the way, conveying gratitude for their contribution to Operation VIJAY.
The Motorcycle Rally will culminate at the historic Kargil War Memorial, Dras, on June 20, 2024. Twenty-five years ago on the same day, the Indian Army etched an indelible mark in the annals of history by capturing Pt 5140. Subedar Mehar Singh, Vir Chakra, and Naib Subedar Kewal Kumar, Sena Medal, had shown immense courage and valor against the adversary and actively participated in the capture of strategic peaks during the Kargil War, which turned the tide against the enemy. To pay lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by Veer Naris and Next of Kin, Mr. Rahul Manhas, son of the late Lance Naik Ranbir Singh, who fought gallantly in the Kargil War and made the supreme sacrifice during the capture of Pt 5140, is also part of this motorcycle rally.
The 13 JAK RIFLES (KARGIL) has actively participated in two major wars, the 1971 Indo-Pak War and Operation VIJAY. The Unit achieved its peak of glory during Operation VIJAY, when, only after three days of acclimatization, the unit hoisted the tricolor on Pt 5140 and Pt 4875, the most dominating features of the Dras and Mushkoh Valleys, respectively. For its gallant performance in Operation VIJAY, the 13 JAK RIFLES (KARGIL) has been conferred with “Battle Honours” – “DRAS” and “MUSHKOH” and the “Theatre Honour” – “KARGIL,” apart from two Param Vir Chakras, eight Vir Chakras, 14 Sena Medals, and two Mention-in-Dispatches. The unit has also been conferred with the Unit Citation and the coveted title of the BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE by the Chief of the Army Staff.
This unique journey symbolizes the enduring bond between the armed forces and the nation, resonating with the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
