Srinagar, July 24: To mark the 24th anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999 and to celebrate women's indomitable spirit, the Indian Army, under the aegis of Headquarters Northern Command, initiated the Nari Sashaktikaran Women Motorcycle Rally.
The rally commenced from the National War Memorial in New Delhi and is en route to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
The rally, which began on 18 July 2023, reached Srinagar after traversing through Chandrakote, Banihal, and Wuzur in Jammu & Kashmir. Maj Gen PBS Lamba, GOC 31 Sub Area, warmly received the rally team upon their arrival in Srinagar on 22 July.
During their stay in Srinagar on Sunday, the rally participants interacted with students of Army Public School (APS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Motivational talks and videos related to the Kargil War were shared to inspire the youth and instill pride in the Armed Forces.
Distinguished veterans, including Sub Maj Sanjay Kumar, PVC, Mr. Vishal Batra, and Sub Azim Khan (Retd), also shared their experiences of bravery and camaraderie from the Kargil War.
On Monday morning, the team paid homage at the War Memorial in BB Cantt with a wreath-laying ceremony.
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, GOC 15 Corps, accompanied by Savita Ghai, Zonal President AWWA, applauded the entire team for their dedication to the cause, emphasizing that the rally would serve as a motivating force for the youth, especially girls in Kashmir, to consider joining the Armed Forces and fearlessly face life's challenges.
Comprising a 25-member strong team, the rally includes two Veer Naris, one of whom is a serving officer, 11 serving Indian Army women officers, two women officers from the Indian Air Force, one from the Indian Navy, two women soldiers from the Indian Army, and eight spouses of serving and retired defense officers.
The participants ride 250cc Ronin motorcycles recently launched by TVS Group, with the automobile group actively collaborating with the Army for the event.
The GOC, 15 Corps, flagged off the motorcycle rally on the morning of 24 July for its final destination in Dras. The rally will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial on 26 July 2023, coinciding with 'Kargil Vijay Diwas.'
