On Saturday, heartfelt tributes were paid across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in honour of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s 1999 victory over Pakistan and saluting the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.
In Mangaluru, the Dakshina Kannada District Ex-Servicemen’s Association hosted a solemn ceremony at the Kadri Hill War Memorial, where candles were lit and floral tributes offered in remembrance of the bravehearts of the Kargil War.
The Surathkal Rashtra Bhakta Nagarika Vedike marked the day by donating to the Sainik Welfare Fund, supporting the families of ex-servicemen. Notable attendees included MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, association president Sgt. Shrikant Shetty Bala, former president Col. Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary, Col. Jayachandran, Capt. Deepak Adyantaya, and other dignitaries like Brig. I N Rai, Guruchandra Hegde, and Sandeep Pumpwell.
In Udupi, a commemorative event was held near the Ajjarkad War Memorial, organised by the Ex-Servicemen’s Forum and Society. The ceremony began with Ganapayya hoisting the national flag, followed by floral tributes and reflections on the bravery of India’s soldiers. Dr. F E A Rodrigues also led a ceremonial flag hoisting. The gathering included prominent locals such as Ganesh Rao, Jayanand Poojary, Prabhakar Nayak, Sundar Banger, and others.
Schools and colleges across both districts also observed the day through special assemblies and awareness programmes, reinforcing the legacy of patriotism and sacrifice.