Drass, Jul 26 (PTI) Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday led hundreds of youths in a padyatra in Ladakh's Drass to pay tributes to the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil war.
Mandaviya was joined by the Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and LAHDC Kargil Chairman Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon.
Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, urged the participants to dedicate themselves to building a strong and developed India, guided by a "Nation First" spirit.
"We have always been victorious. Being victorious is our nature," he said.
Through this padyatra, we want to send a message to the young blood across the country that we all pledge to perform our duties and responsibilities towards the nation, he added.
Mandaviya said Kargil is not just a place in history, it is a living symbol of India's resilience and unwavering spirit.
It stands as a powerful reminder that when it comes to protecting the sovereignty of our nation, India remains united, resolute, and unshaken, he said.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Sando Top, Mandaviya said India has never initiated conflict, "but when provoked, we respond with courage, dignity, and determination".
The Union Minister also highlighted India's growing strategic capabilities, citing the significance of Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor as milestones in the nation's military history.
He reaffirmed that India's armed forces continue to stand as the steadfast guardians of national pride and sovereignty.
Seth addressed the gathering and praised the energy of the youngsters and the sacrifices of the armed forces.
He encouraged the students to imbibe discipline and national pride inspired by the Kargil heroes.
Following the padyatra, both ministers, joined by 100 MY Bharat youth volunteers, proceeded to the Kargil War Memorial where they offered floral tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 war.