Story of an unsung hero of Kargil- Captain Vikram Batra
Yesterday marked the 21st death anniversary of Captain Vikram Batra, popularly known as Sher Shah. The entire nation poured out love while remembering him.
Who Was Captain Vikram Batra?
Born on September 9, 1974, in Himachal Pradesh, Capt. Vikram joined the Indian army in 1997 with 13th JK rifles, and because of his extraordinary skills, he became a captain within two years. He served the Indian army with utmost faith and is the reason why India won the Kargil War of 1999 against Pakistan.
Vikram was leading his team in Operation Vijay and, on the 20th, was able to successfully capture Point 5140, which was among the crucial points. He led from the front, indulged in direct combat, and single-handedly killed three Pakistani soldiers. Happy with his victory, Batra cheerfully shouted, Yeh dil maange more! The news of his triumph spread across the nation. He was the new headline in every newspaper and on every news channel. The nation named him ‘The Lion of Kargil’ and the ‘Kargil Hero’.
Soon after, he decided to move further and now had his eyes on Pt 4875. This point was more dangerous than the previous one. But Batra and his colleagues, Lieutenant Naveen and Lieutenant Anuj Nayyar, moved forward to accomplish this mission. Pt. 4875, located in Mushkoh Valley, was 16000 feet high, but Batra was determined to win and kept on moving ahead despite the heavy firing from the other end. He had his mind clear, he knew how important it was to capture this point for winning, and he knew he had to win.
It was July 6, and by now, he had suffered injuries and even had a fever, but he insisted on continuing along with his team. The tough and extreme conditions couldn’t stop him, and despite thick fog and other difficulties, he kept moving. With their courageous fighting, they finally made the enemy retreat. Batra had always put his safety at the back end and was always worried about his fellow teammates.
His aim was not only to win but also not to have even a single causality. Even this time, he stuck to his aim. His colleague, Lieutenant Naveen, got his legs severely injured as a grenade exploded near him. Batra saw this and immediately left to rescue him. He was asked not to, but the one with a golden heart selflessly asked his colleague to step aside, saying, ‘tu bal bacchedaar hai’ (You have children). Saving him, these soon-to-be 25 officers suffered injuries and finally succumbed to death on July 7th, 1999.
Awards to Captain Vikram Batra
On August 15, 1999, Captain Vikram Batra was declared posthumous and awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for valour in India. Lieutenant Anuj Nayyar, who also died during the same operation, was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest.
After returning from the Kargil war, this young man, who had plans to marry his love, Dimple Cheema, sacrificed his life for the nation. He is still remembered for his courage, leadership, energy, and smile, and he will be forever.
Final Words
The extraordinary bravery, comradery, and devotion to duty displayed by Capt. Batra will earn him a prestigious place in the annals of our military history. Capt. Vikram Batra received the “Param Vir Chakra,” the country’s highest gallantry award, posthumously in recognition of his extraordinary bravery, unwavering resolve, leadership, and supreme sacrifice. Father Shri Girdhari Lal Batra, mother Smt Kamal Kanta, and twin brother Shri Vishal Batra are the only surviving family members of Capt. Vikram Batra.
Before going to the Kargil war, he told his friend, “Either I will come back after hoisting the Indian flag, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will come back for sure.”. He made India win through his supreme sacrifice and came back wrapped in the flag, but he will always remain alive in our hearts and prayers.
