The Regiment of Artillery today flagged off the Gunners Ladakh Odyssey Motorcycle Expedition from the Kargil War Memorial at Drass to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay and celebrate 200 years of the Regiment of Artillery.
The expedition, comprising 20 motorcycle riders from units that participated in the 1999 Kargil War, was launched with a solemn tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the conflict. The riders began the first leg of their journey from Drass to Zorawar Fort in Leh.
Flagged off by the Deputy General Officer Commanding of the Artillery Brigade, the ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Drass Imteeaz Kacho, Councillor Abdul Samad, NCC cadets, Army officers, soldiers and local residents.
Led by Major General Arvind Yadav, VSM, Additional Director General and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery, the expedition will traverse the challenging terrain of Ladakh, including the Nubra, Shyok and Chushul valleys. During the journey, the team will visit prominent war memorials, historic battlefields and former gun areas associated with Operation Vijay, while interacting with local communities across the region.
According to the Army, the expedition aims to honour the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, pay tribute to personnel safeguarding the nation’s frontiers, and inspire patriotism and national pride. The initiative also celebrates the Regiment of Artillery’s bicentenary and its enduring legacy of valour, resilience and service under its motto, “Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal.”
The expedition is scheduled to conclude on August 14 with a flag-in ceremony to be conducted by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena.
(Inputs from ADGPI)
