CAPITAN VIKRAM BATRA Capitan Vikram Batra was an officer of the , awarded with , ’s highest and most prestigious award for his actions during the 1999 . He led one of the toughest operations in mountain warfare in Indian history. He was often referred to as “Sher Shah” in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan army.

Capitan Vikram Batra, sacrificed his life fighting enemy forces during the Kargil war in 1999, at the age of 24. He was given highest wartime gallantry award Param Vir Chakra. Capitan Vikram Batra became the face of the Indian soldier at kargil, whose words remember even today –“Yeh Dil Maange ….” using the popular slogan of Pepsi’s advertise campaign to express his desire to do more. Kargil was a long drawn out battle, a combat that was a fight to the finish. As the whole nation waited with breath, the Indian flag firmly fluttered over Tiger Hills on the morning of July 4, 1999 and all of India celebrated. Operation Vijay was successful. Capitan Vikram Batra most difficult mission of crucial peak point 4975. Even after that the enemy continued to fire from a position north of the point. He is often called the “Sher Shah” whose efforts paved the way for India’s victory in the Kargil war. Despite having high fever and fatigue, Capitan Vikram Batra volunteered to head a party to the battlefront. Due to his excellent feat, Capitan Vikram Batra was awarded with many titles. He was awarded with many titles. He was also called the “Tiger of Drass”, “Lion of Kargil”, “Kargil Hero”. His bravery and determination had set a standard for everyone fighting the war. On 7 july, the mission was almost over, when Capitan Vikram Batra ran out of his bunker to rescue another officer, Lt. Naveen Anaberu, whose legs had been severely injured in an explosion. As he was trying to save his colleague an enemy bullet hit him in his chest.

Capitan Vikram Batra was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour on 15 August 1999. India is forever indebted to the soldier who showed immense personal bravery and rose up to the occasion when mother India needed her son the most.

Capitan Vikram Batra memory however will live in minds and hearts of people of India and the message of his life will continue to motivate present and future generation.

CADET PREETHI.Y GRCCC&M 3 KAR BN NCC