Drass, July 10: The Indian Army’s D5 Motorcycle Expedition culminated in a grand flagging-in ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial, Drass, as part of the Rajat Jayanti commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event, held with great fervor and patriotism, marked the successful completion of a remarkable journey covering 17,000 km.
Lt Gen V. Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Northern Command, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He honored the expedition team for their dedication and achievements, which have been recognized by both the Asian Books of Records and India Book of Records.
The D5 Motorcycle Expedition began from various regions across India, converging at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. From there, the team split into two routes: one traversed through Jammu, and the other through Chandigarh and Leh, before finally arriving at Drass. Along the way, the team interacted with approximately 1,200 NCC youths, inspiring them to join the Indian Army. They also engaged with Veer Naris and families of martyrs, honoring them and educating them about the sacrifices made during the 1999 Kargil War.
The flagging-in ceremony saw the presence of several high-ranking officials, including DG Artillery Lt Gen Adosh Kumar, GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, and GOC 8 Mountain Division Major Gen Sachin Malik, alongside officers, war veterans, and the expedition team.
Lt Col Manoj Kumar Nayar, the Chief Coordinator of the Expedition, emphasized the symbolic importance of the journey. “The expedition not only commemorated the brave sacrifices of our soldiers but also showcased the unity and resilience of the Indian Army. It was a homage to Veer Naris, Kargil Awardees, and Veterans, with various events organized en route,” he said.
Dr. Pradeep Bhardwaj, who verified the expedition for record eligibility, confirmed its inclusion in the Asian Book of Records and India Book of Records, citing the unique aspects and verified facts of the journey.
In his address, Lt Gen V. Suchindra Kumar reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to remembering the sacrifices of those who lost their lives and those injured during the Kargil War. He praised the courage and patriotism displayed during Operation Vijay, stating that the bravery of the martyrs will continue to inspire future generations. He congratulated the D5 Motorcycle Expedition team for their successful and inspiring journey across the country.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of pride and remembrance, honoring the valor of the Indian Army and the spirit of the nation.
