A hero to remember!

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Rediff Specials
Rediff Special
Indian Army
A touching story about Vikram about his days in NDA

on WIKI

Gave his life for our future on July 7, 1999

© G.L. Batra, father of Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (13 JAK Rifles)Images
© A Ridge Too Far: His Highness The Maharajah of Patiala

Twin sons were born to the family of Mr. G.L. Batra and Mrs. Jai Kamal Batra, on 09 September 1974 at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The family had two daughters earlier and twin sons were a joyful addition to the family. The family nicknamed the twins as ‘Luv’ (Vikram) and ‘Kush’ (Vishal). Luv received his primary education from his mother, who herself is a teacher. He received his education up to Middle Standard in D.A.V. Public School, Palampur and up to senior secondary stage in Central School, Palampur. Both his sisters are married and his twin-brother, Kush, is undergoing an internship training course as a Junior Executive with Tata Finance Ltd. Captain Vikram Batra was very brilliant, diligent, and active from the very beginning of his student life. He was very popular among his friends, students and teachers since, he was ever smiling and respectful to everyone.

He was an all rounder, good in studies, always a first divisioner and equally good in sports and all other co-curricular activities. He always kept himself in first line and among the toppers in all the different fields. He was also a green belt holder in Karate. He always kept himself in first line and among the toppers in all the different fields. He used to sweep almost 75% of the prizes from the prize distribution table during his schooling. He participated in ‘national level’ table tennis (Central Schools) and represented the North Zone. He participated in a national youth parliamentary competition. After passing his 10+2 in 1992 from Central School Palampur, he got admitted in D.A.V. College, Chandigarh in B.Sc where he was adjudged the best N.C.C. Cadet (Air Wing) in two zones. He was selected and underwent a helicopter flight course for 40 days at the Pinjore flying club.

He was also selected for the 1994 Republic Day Parade at New Delhi. During his B.Sc. course in 1995, he got selected for the Merchant Navy in a foreign-based company (Hong Kong).However in the nick of time he dropped the idea of joining the Merchant Navy due to his patriotic zeal to serve the Nation. As a true son and soldier of the motherland, he decided to join the Indian Army as a Commissioned Officer. He got commissioned in June 1996 and he joined the IMA (Indian Military Academy) at Dehra Dun. After passing out in December 1997, he joined the Army as a Lieutenant of 13 JAK Rifles at Sopore, Jammu & Kashmir. Later he was sent for the Young Officer’s Course at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh where he secured Alpha grading for his overall performance.

Next, he attended a 35-day commando course at Belgaum, Karnataka in February-March 1999 where upon completion of the course, he was placed in Instructor’s Grade.Reconnaissance for the capture of Point 5140. Sitting Left to Right: Lieutenant Vikram Batra, Major Vikas Vohra, Captain Chatterji and the CO of 13 JAK Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Y.K. Joshi.Lt. Col. Y.K. Joshi, adding the third pip on Lieutenant Vikram Batra on his promotion to Captain after the battle for Point 5140. He was to win a posthumous PVC some days later in the battle for Point 4875.On 01 June 1999, his unit proceeded to the Kargil Sector on the eruption of a war-like situation in Kargil, Drass and Batalik sub-sectors from where he was sent along with his company on the first strategic and daring operation to recapture the first peak of utmost importance – Point 5140, which was at an altitude of 17,000 feet. Upon reaching Point 5140, leading a company of troops, he encountered the commander of the Pakistani-backed terrorists on radio. The enemy commander challenged him by saying, “Why have you come Shershah (his nick name), you will not go back.”

Captain Batra, being the last person to back away from a fight, replied, “We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top.” In a short while Captain Batra and his company of troops killed eight enemy soldiers and more importantly captured a heavy anti-aircraft machine gun, neutralising the advantageous peak. Re-capture of Point 5140 paved the way to the return of the rest of peaks and cleared the Srinagar-Leh highway which sat in motion of successes like capturing Point 5100, 4700 Junction, Three Pimples and the ultimate prize – Tiger Hill. After the capture of Point 5140, standing left to right: Captain Jamwal, Lt. Col. Y.K. Joshi, Captain Vikram Batra and Major Vikas Vohra. Sitting Left to Right: Major Gurpreet Singh and Captain Rajesh Adhau, the RMO. Soon after capturing Point 5140, he radioed his commanding officer and said jubilantly,”Yeh Dil Mange More!”

On the successful capture of the vital peak he was congratulated and graced by the Chief of Army Staff, General Ved Prakash Malik on telephone. After taking rest for 4 – 5 days he proceeded towards Point 4750, where he was challenged again by the enemy who said, “Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your dead bodies,” to which Captain Batra curtly replied, “Don’t worry about us, Pray for your safety.” He captured Point 4750 and hoisted the national flag. He also played a commendable role in the capture of Tiger Hill. He had dedicated himself and was determined for total victory.On ‘Ledge’ overlooking the 17 Jat objective of ‘Whale Back’ and their approach. An enemy snow-hut is in the background. Captain Vikram Batra was killed here, winning the Param Vir Chakra (PVC).He volunteered himself for a third crucial operation of Point 4875 at an altitude of 17,000 feet, with a gradient of 80º. He attacked the peak along with his company and another led by Captain Anuj Nayyar, MVC. They gave the enemy a tough time, killed a number of enemy troops and re-captured the peak on 05 July 1999. The enemy counter-attacked the peak on 07 July 1999, but Captain Batra retaliated the counter-attack with vigour.In the heat of the battle, one of his junior officers (Lieutenant Naveen) was seriously injured and Captain Batra immediately went to his rescue. Destiny however had something else in store for Captain Batra and during the rescue, he was hit by a bullet in the chest. With the words Jai Mata Di on his lips, the brave Captain fell down and was hit again in the waist by an artillery splinter. Before succumbing to his grievous injuries, this brave son of the motherland and a true lion of Bharat Mata killed another five enemy soldiers. A grateful nation applauds the Batra family. He fought with exceptional bravery and magnitude, which is rarely seen. He has set an example before the youth of our nation, which shall inspire generations to come.

In recognition of his gallant act, Point 4875 has now been renamed as Captain Vikram Batra Top and has received all credit to capturing this vital peak by his Commanding Officer, Colonel Y.K. Joshi, 13 JAK Rifles. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and junior leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. G.L. Batra, received the award from the President of India, on behalf of his brave son.

JAI HIND!! JAI JAWAN!!

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60 Comments

  1. says: Abhinavsingh

    Hey! ! ! ! Capt Batra , You are still alive in our Heart, there are very few people who born to fight for their country you are one of them, me and my friends are inspired by you and we are Joining Indian Army..JAI HIND CAPTAIN we are SALUTING you.. My friend had met you in kargil, he’s a Major now,,,,,he always talks about,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

  2. says: amit chauhan

    yeah dil mange more these qote says capt batra really he want more and try to do diffrent then others >>>>>>>>>>>jai hind

  3. says: pankaj dhiman

    its really great for our country to have mens like batra,who will allways live in our hearts……………will never die
    JAI HIND

  4. says: narender rana

    i really salut vikram batra he was man of onwer my father also from vikram batra bataliaon 13 jak rifels my father sad he is never forget to vikram batra like a good man jai hind .!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. says: Sanjeev rana

    I feel proud that i belong to palampur city, to which Vikrm Batra belong. A salute to the :::HERO::: jai maa jwalaji

  6. says: prashant ranjan

    he is the fire that will burn in our hearts forever…n more importantly v d youth will carry on ths to each level of society ….

  7. says: Pronay Barman

    Thousand salutes to u, we haven’t forgotten u heroes and we never will..you r the source of courage n inspiration 4 millions of Indians!!!!!!

  8. says: Anil Chandel

    As we salute our heroes for the ultimate sacrifices, we should also salute their families. The families’ sacrifices in the upbringing and post-martyrdom of such heroes, are no less either.

    In many cases, these heroes were the only sons in the family, and imagine, what such family members would have to go through for the rest of their lives.

    Our governments and politicians have a history of having forgotten about such heroes, after naming a park, or a road after them, or allotting a petrol pump to their families, and of course, until the next anniversary of martyrdom, i.e. Vijay Diwas in this case.

    A true salute to our heroes would be to take care of their families, to check on them from time to time, provide comfort and support to them in whatever way possible.

  9. says: MOHD RAFIQ KHAN

    Late capt vikram batra he was the real hero of the indian army and his mother is so proud that she gave birth to the real hero of nation.All INDIAN ARMY SOLDIERS have to be like him and serve the nation truely.JAI HIND.

  10. says: Dishant Guleria

    We have lost a great champ. He was the best,he was alone enough to destroy the enemy. Capt you are my inspiration I salute you . “Yeh dil mange more”.
    From-DISHANT
    CSK HPKV Kullu H.P.

  11. says: Seema Kumar

    Jai Hind!! My salute to late Captain Vikram Batra, Bharat Mata’s true son!!! May his soul rest in peace!!
    Captain Batra your courageous actions would always be remembered and we Indians would always be indebted to you and your family.

  12. says: Sunil

    “Jai Matha Di “…..Waht a sarafice , may his soul rest in peace , while reading your column never new when my tears went wet ,, but really heart touching .. Sunil jadiga

  13. says: AMIT KUMAR TRIPATHI

    Shaheedon ki mazaron par lagenge har barash mele, Watan par marne walo ka yahi waki nishan hoga….

  14. says: deep

    we salute you from our heart.supreme sacrifice for the motherland..we vl never forget you. jai hind..jai jawan jai kisaan..

  15. says: naitik.joshi

    Mera Desh hain yeh yeh curreption ke paise in martyars ke parivaar ko do unhone to apna beta khoya hain

    dosto ek baat batata hoon ki ek bhi neta mare to party manao phatakhe jalao kaat ke paani main daal do

  16. says: Milind Kale

    Ye Dil Mage More ……….. Relation after word with whom and where it’s doesn’t matter but to maintenan is not so easy but he mainten relation with in his trops with every one.
    Again Ye Dil Mage More ………………. Meaning full sentence.

  17. says: SARAVANAN PALANISAMY

    hai Captain I really inspired by you. Now i am tried for get into defence. I assure you that I will be one of most bravery soldier like you …..
    JAI HIND!! JAI JAWAN!!

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