LAAC&L Kargil Ignites Patriotic Fervor with Commemoration of 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’, Weeklong Shaheedi Diwas at Drass War Memorial.

LAAC&L Kargil Ignites Patriotic Fervor with Commemoration of 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’, Weeklong Shaheedi Diwas at Drass War Memorial.
Kargil, March 30, 2026: As part of the nationwide campaign commemorating 150 years of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’ and the weeklong special observance of Shaheedi Divas, Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAAC&L), Kargil organized a ‘Vande Mataram’ rendition session and other related activities at the historic Drass War Memorial, Kargil here today.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the rugged Drass landscape often hailed as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, the air resonated with the powerful and soul-stirring chorus of Vande Mataram, sung in unison by over 50 folk artists representing the rich and diverse ethnic tapestry of Kargil. Their voices, echoing through the mountains, created an electrifying atmosphere that seemed to bridge history with the present.
The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of civil society members, cultural enthusiasts, Army officers and Jawans, and officials from LAAC&L and the Tourism Department, all united in a shared spirit of reverence and national pride. The highlight of the programme was a deeply moving rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by a poignant two-minute silence—an emotionally charged moment that paid homage to the countless freedom fighters and valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s honour.
A solemn yet powerful wreath-laying ceremony added further gravity to the occasion. With folded hands and bowed heads, attendees offered floral tributes to the brave hearts immortalized at the memorial, turning the ceremony into a deeply emotional tribute to courage and sacrifice.
In a moment that reflected unwavering national commitment, participants collectively took a pledge to uphold the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the nation. The pledge resonated with a renewed determination to foster peace, harmony, and inclusive development, echoing far beyond the venue.
Officials, while addressing the gathering, emphasized that this grand initiative is not merely a commemoration but a movement which seeks to rekindle patriotism among the youth and reconnect them with the revolutionary spirit that Vande Mataram has embodied for over a century and a half.
On the occasion officials also engaged warmly with Army officers and jawans stationed in the region, applauding their unmatched dedication and resilience in safeguarding the nation’s borders under extreme and hostile conditions.
The programme concluded on an inspiring note, leaving behind an indelible message of courage, unity, and unwavering love for the nation. As the echoes of Vande Mataram faded into the mountains, they carried with them a powerful reminder—to honour the past, celebrate the present, and march forward with a shared vision of a stronger, united India.