History News Desk !!! Captain Vikram Batra (English: Captain Vikram Batra, born- 9 September 1974, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh; martyrdom- 7 July 1999, Kargil) was an Indian soldier awarded the Param Vir Chakra. He received this honor posthumously in 1999.
Biography
On 9 September 1974, twin boys were born to GL Batra and Kamalkanta Batra, residents of Palampur, after two daughters. Mother Kamalkanta had deep faith in Shri Ramcharitmanas, so she named both of them Luv-Kush. Luv means Vikram and Kush means Vishal. First they were admitted to DAV School, then Central School Palampur. Since the school was in the army cantonment, seeing the discipline of the army and hearing stories of patriotism from his father, Vikram developed patriotism from school days itself. Vikram was not only the best in academics in school, but he was also a top-class player in table tennis and had the passion to participate actively in cultural programs. After studying up to 12th, Vikram went to Chandigarh and started his graduation in science from DAV College Chandigarh. During this time, he was selected as the best cadet of NCC and he also participated in the Republic Day parade. He made up his mind to join the army and also started preparing for CDS (Combined Defence Services). Although Vikram was getting a job in the Merchant Navy in Hong Kong with a huge salary, but with a dream of serving the country, Vikram turned down the job.
selection in army
After graduating in science, Vikram was selected in the army through CDS. In July 1996, he took admission in the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. After completing his education in December 1997, he was appointed as a lieutenant in the Army’s 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles at a place called Sopore in Jammu on 6 December 1997. He also took many trainings along with commando training in 1999. On 1 June 1999, his unit was sent to the Kargil war. After winning Hump and Raki Nab places, Vikram was made a Captain at the same time. After this, Captain Vikram Batra was also given the responsibility of liberating the most important 5140 peak right above the Srinagar-Leh road from the Pakistani Army. Despite being a very inaccessible area, Vikram Batra, along with his companions, captured this peak at 3:30 am on 20 June 1999.
famous by the name of sher shah
When Vikram Batra announced his victory through radio from this peak by saying ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’, his name became famous not only in the army but in the whole of India. During this time, along with Vikram’s code name Sher Shah, he was also called the ‘Lion of Kargil’. The next day, when the photo of Vikram Batra and his team with the Indian flag at peak 5140 appeared in the media, everyone became crazy about him. After this, the army started the campaign to capture peak 4875 as well. The reins of this were also handed over to Vikram. Without caring for his life, he killed many Pakistani soldiers along with Lieutenant Anuj Nayyar. Captain’s father GL Batra says that his son’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel YK Joshi had given Vikram the nickname Sher Shah.
Last Time
The mission was almost complete when the Captain rushed to save his junior officer Lieutenant Naveen. During the battle, both the legs of Lieutenant Naveen were badly injured in an explosion. When Captain Batra was dragging the Lieutenant back to save him, he was shot in the chest and he attained martyrdom saying “Jai Mata Di”. On June 16, the Captain wrote a letter to his twin brother Vishal from Dras sector – “Dear Kushu, take care of mother and father… anything can happen here.”
Param Vir Chakra Award
For his indomitable courage and valour, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on 15 August 1999, which was received by his father GL Batra. Vikram Batra had decided to donate his eyes at the age of 18. He always kept the eye bank card with him.
