Thoise, Ladakh: In a grand commemoration of the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil war, the ‘Vayu Veer Vijeta’ car rally was officially flagged off by Union Minister of State for Highways, Harsh Malhotra at Thoise, one of the world’s highest altitude air force stations, situated at 3,068 meters above sea level. The event marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey from Thoise in Ladakh to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, covering a distance of 7,000 kilometers.
The rally features a diverse team of over 50 participants, including Air Warriors, Army personnel, Air Veterans, and members of the Uttarakhand War Memorial (UWM). It aims to celebrate the achievements of the IAF and raise awareness about the force’s storied history, including its contributions during wars and humanitarian rescue operations.
Prior to the flag-off at Thoise, the rally was given a ceremonial send-off from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on October 1, 2024, by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The convoy will pass through nine states and Union Territories, making halts at significant military and historical locations, including Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Agra, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Bagdogra, Hasimara, Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dirang. The rally is set to conclude in Tawang on October 29, 2024.
The primary objective of the rally is to engage with young citizens and inspire them to consider careers in the Armed Forces. The participants will interact with youth along the way, highlighting the glorious history of the IAF, the bravery of air warriors in combat, and their pivotal role in various rescue operations. Through these engagements, the rally seeks to foster a sense of patriotism and service among the younger generation.
Several former Air Force Chiefs are expected to join the rally at different stages, further strengthening the initiative’s focus on honoring past achievements while motivating the future generation to serve the country.
Shri Harsh Malhotra lauded the initiative, calling it a fitting tribute to both the Indian Air Force’s legacy and the heroes of the Kargil war. He emphasized that the rally represents the strength, courage, and determination of the nation’s armed forces.