ALL WOMEN MOTORBIKE RALLY ON KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

The 1999 Kargil War was one of the valiant wars fought by the Indian Armed Forces in extremely inhospitable high attitude terrain of Jammu & Kashmir. The bravery of our Armed Forces against extreme odds and the sacrifices made by them continue to serve as a source of inspiration to the Nation as a whole even today. This decisive victory is celebrated as the Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July every year to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Op Vijay against Pakistan. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Kargil War and a host of events have been planned as a run up to the main event of Rajat Mahotsav of Kargil Vijay Diwas to be celebrated on 26th July 2024. 

One such event organised under the aegis of Headquarters Uniform Force was an 'All Women Motorbike Rally' planned from Leh to Kargil through the challenging terrain of Ladakh across Khardung La and Umling La, world’s highest two motorable passes. This has been a befitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Soldier and a salute to the Nari Shakti, which has broken the stereotypes of male domination in adventure activities and has showcased the unparalleled determination, fearlessness, valour, commitment & devotion of women in the Indian Armed Forces.

The Rally team comprised of 25 experienced women riders on  pan India basis mainly consisting of Military Spouses, Serving Women Officers and Other Ranks. 

The rally was conducted over a period of 16 days commencing from Leh War Memorial and culminated at Kargil War Memorial. Enroute, the riders paid homage to martyrs at five major memorials in Ladakh viz Hall of Fame (Leh), Siachen War Memorial, Rezang La War Memorial (Chushul), Trishul War Memorial (Karu) and Kargil War Memorial. In addition, the women riders also had the opportunity of crossing Khardung La (18,380 feet) and Umling La (19,300 feet) being world’s highest two motorable passes. Various civil agencies joined hands with Indian Army in organising the bike rally showcasing their unparalleled reverence for the brave hearts of Kargil War.