Kargil Vijay Divas

Name: CDT Mohit Kumar College: RV College of Engineering Dept. Electronic and Instrumentation Engg. Semester:6th Directorate: Karnataka and Goa Group: Bangalore A Regiment: 1 KAR SIG REGT KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS The day was 26th of July; 22 years ago… guns felt silent; as the whole nation celebrated the Indian army taking control of Kargil. After more than 60 days of war and numerous accounts of bravery. We celebrate this day as Kargil vijay Diwas, remembering the soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting our nation. We pay homage to all heroes who lost their lives in kargil war ; their bravery motivates us every single day. Being an Indian citizen, it is must for us to listen and to read the thrilling story of kargil. On this day, In year 1999, Indian armed forces defeated Pakistani army and successfully took command of the high posts that were captured by the Pakistani troops. The kargil war was fought for more than 60 days and ended officially on this day. As many as 527 soldiers from Indian armed forces lost their lives during the war. They valiantly fought for the nation and this day not only embarks upon India’s win but also pay homage to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to make ‘operation vijay ’ successful. It has been more than 20 years since then; but the unparalleled courage and sacrifice of kargil heroes is still etched in our collective memory of our country. Among these many bravehearts was a man who would become the face of every young Indian soldier who fought ferociously and died fearlessly. Also known as sher shah, capt. Vikram batra was Born on September 9, 1974, in Palampur Himachal Pradesh. Immensely popular among his classmates and teachers, he was also a keen sportsman and avid participant in co-curricular activities. He was adjudged as the best NCC cadet of north India when he was in the ncc in his college days. Deeply patriotic from a young age, Vikram was always keen on joining the Indian Army.In 1996, his dream was fulfilled when he cleared the CDS examination with flying colours and joined the Indian Military Academy. His first posting was in the town of Sapore in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district. In 1999, when Kargil War broke out, Vikram had just completed the Commando Course at Belgaum and got leave to celebrate Holi with his family at his home Palampur. On the way, one of his friend asked: “The war has begun, who knows when you will be asked to go, you better be careful. He replied: “Don’t worry. I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure”, Soon after, Vikram’s unit received orders to move to Kargil and he reported for duty on June 1, 1999. Eighteen days later, on June 19, he was ordered to recapture peak point 5140 in his first major battle in the war. In spite of the enemy having the advantage of height, Vikram and his men led a brilliant tactical assault on the enemy. The enemy camp was routed, their soldiers killed and 13 J&K Rifles won a decisive victory that strengthened India’s hold on the territory. After capturing several highposts, Vikram’s next operation was one of the most difficult mountain warfare campaigns undertaken during Kargil – the capture of the 17000 feet high Point 4875 and Pakistani troops had positioned themselves at the height of 16000 feet. On the night of July 7, Vikram and his men began their climb to fortify the Indian armed force which was already fighting the invaders at that height. After reaching there, Vikram started counter-attacking ferociously, along with his friend and fellow officer, Anuj Nayyar, and hence clearing enemy bunkers and egging their men forward, the two bravehearts forced the shocked enemy to retreat. The mission was almost over when a junior officer injured his leg in an explosion. As Vikram rushed out of the bunker to rescue him, his subedar begged him not to go and said he would go instead. But Vikram refused him. Under heavy fire, he hurled grenades at the enemy’s machine gun post and killed five soldiers in close combat while moving towards the injured lieutenant. He had just reached and was lunging to lift his mate when he was hit by a bullet in his chest. Mortally wounded, Captain Vikram passed way after completing the mission in a manner that etched his name alongside some of India’s greatest military heroes. His comrade in battle, Captain Anuj Nayyar, also died while clearing enemy bunkers. By morning, though India had recaptured Peak 4875 (now called Vikram Batra Top) but india had lost two of her bravest sons. Today, a statue of Vikram Batra adorns the town square of Palampur, across the statue of another legendary soldier — Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, who also belonged to Palampur. His towering legacy couldn’t have found a worthier successor than Captain Vikram Batra, the swashbuckling soldier who gave a nation its war cry "" dil ye maange more"" and a generation of youngsters their motto. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra — India’s highest award for gallantry in battle. Captain Anuj Nayyar was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra — the nation’s second highest honour. It has been rightly said that: “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” What happened and transpired in kargil must be an example to every Indian to judge his own actions when it comes to national service and patriotism. We all must resolve to do whatever necessary to serve our proud nation. Jai Hind.

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