KARGIL: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde extended his heartfelt congratulations to the participants of the Sarhad Shauryathon on Sunday and paid a poignant tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Kargil War. Shinde stressed that Kargil remains an inseparable part of India.

The Sarhad Shauryathon, which has been organised by the Indian Army for the past eight years, aims to honour the bravery of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. As part of the Maharashtra government's commitment to promoting tourism in the region, Rs 3 crore has been allocated to the Kargil War Memorial for the installation of a laser light and sound show.

"On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Sarhad Shauryathon 2025 has been organised. I congratulate all the runners who have participated in this Shauryathon, and with this, I pay my tribute to all the soldiers who have lost their lives in Kargil because of their bravery, Kargil is a part of India and we are sitting here... Sarhad Shauryathon has been organised by the army for the past 8 years. Maharashtra govt has given the amount of Rs 3 crore to the Kargil War Memorial for laser light & sound show, which will promote the tourism..." Shinde told reporters.

The much-anticipated Sarhad Shauryathon 2025 commenced on Sunday at the historic Kargil War Memorial, Dras. Marathon runners from across the country gathered to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War.

The event was flagged off by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, who inaugurated the 21 kilometre Half Marathon amid patriotic fervour and applause. The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil; Lt. Gen. Ritesh Bhalla, GOC 14 Corps; Sanjay Nahar, Founder of Sarhad International; and numerous civil and army officials, making the tribute run even more meaningful. The Shauryathon stands as a symbol of unity, valour, and remembrance, drawing attention to the heroic legacy of the Kargil War.