PVC Captain Vikram Batra Story - Know The Story of Captain Vikram Batra - Motivational Story of Captain Vikram Batra

Captain Vikram Batra was born on September 9, 1974, in Bandla Gaon, Himachal Pradesh's Palampur district. Son of Shri Girdhari Lal Batra and Smt Kamal Kanta, Capt Vikram Batra acquired his elementary education from D.A.V Public School, Palampur and subsequently completed his senior level education from Kendriya Vidyalaya Palampur. He was placed to D.A.V College in Chandigarh after finishing his second PU in 1992. While in college, Capt Batra joined the NCC and was named the North Zone's finest NCC Cadet (Air Wing).

He was fearless and bold from an early age, and he was always willing to help anyone in need. Anyone who came into contact with him liked him because of his helpful nature and pleasant demeanour. In addition to excelling in academics, he was also a strong athlete who excelled in sports, particularly table tennis. The inspirational stories of the "Param Vir Chakra" recipients inspired him significantly as he grew up. He used to watch the TV series "Param Vir Chakra" on a regular basis as a child, and he and his brother would often debate their stories of bravery and gallantry in depth.Though he got selected to join the Merchant Navy, he knew his calling and had made up his mind to follow his dream of donning the Army uniform.

As a result, he passed the Combined Defence Services Exam and was accepted into the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in 1994. He enlisted in the Manekshaw Battalion's Jessore Company and was commissioned into the 13 JAK Rifles, an infantry regiment noted for its brave troops and countless fighting accomplishments. He was assigned to Sopore in the Baramulla district of J&K as his first assignment after getting commissioned. His unit had completed its military assignment by April 1999 and was preparing to relocate to its peacetime position. However, in early May 1999, the detection of a large-scale entry by Pakistani forces in the Kargil region altered the operating environment, and the unit's transfer to its peace post was cancelled.

 

Kargil War : June-July 1999

In June 1999, under the operational command of 56 Infantry Brigade, Lt Vikram Batra's unit 13 JAK Rif was deployed in the Drass area of Kargil as part of Op Vijay. Following the capture of Tololing Top in Drass by 2 Raj Rif battalion, 13 JAK Rif was tasked with seizing another strategically important location known as Point 5140. This was one of the most dangerous and important peaks in the Drass region, and it was strongly guarded by enemy forces. The Delta Company commanded by Lt Vikram Batra and Bravo Company led by Lt Sanjeev Singh Jamwal were assigned this mission of taking the Point 5140 in a daring night attack.

The two companies began their march towards the target after being bombarded by Indian artillery on enemy positions. The two companies attacked from opposite directions to surprise the enemy, but the Delta Company, led by Lt Vikram Batra, had a tougher climb. Lt Vikram Batra and his men planned to attack the hill from behind, at a height of 17,000 feet, to obtain the essential element of surprise. They ascended the rugged hill against all obstacles, but as they neared the summit, Pakistani forces pinned them to the cliff face with machine gun fire.Lt Batra and five of his troops were undeterred and climbed to the top, where they tossed two grenades at the machine gun posts. After being critically injured during the exchange, Lt Batra collected his men and continued the mission despite killing three soldiers in close battle.

Lt Batra's bravery motivated his soldiers to fight bravely, and the Point 5140 was eventually taken. "Chanakya...Shershah it's reporting!!" said Lt Batra on the radio at 4:35 a.m. on June 20, 1999. The post has been captured! "Yeh Dil Maange More" became the catchphrase during the Kargil War later on. The triumph opened the way for victories at Point 5100, Point 4700, Junction Peak, and 'Three Pimples,' among others.

13 JAK Rif was de-inducted from Drass to Ghumri after the capture of Point 5140 to relax and prepare for the upcoming operation. The unit was then transferred to Mushkoh Valley, where the goal of capturing Point 4875 was assigned. Based on his previous accomplishments in Drass, Lt Batra had been raised to the rank of Capt. The attack began on the night of July 6, 1999, with Capt Batra and his 25 troops from Delta Company. By the first light on July 7, the plan was to reach the ridge, storm the Germans, and occupy the post.Unfortunately, due to the evacuation of one of the officers, Capt Navin Nagappa, who had a critically hurt leg, they were still a long way from the target by first light.

A tiny ledge guarded by opposing soldiers stood just before the objective, making progress nearly impossible, especially in daylight. Despite the fact that it was daylight, Capt Batra and his colleagues opted to launch a direct assault. Capt Batra attacked the ledge and caught the enemy off guard in a rare display of remarkable bravery and daredevilry. However, Capt Batra was injured during the exchange of fire, but he maintained his charge with support fire from the remainder of his men and reached the ledge's mouth. He observed one of his young warriors lying in a pool of blood a few feet away after gaining a foothold on the ledge and planned his next move.Along with his JCO Sub Raghunath Singh, he decided to carry the injured soldier to safety. However, he was shot in the chest by sniper fire as he attempted to do so. He exhaled his last breath, chanting the battle cry of his Regiment, "Durga Mata Ki Jai," which means "Victory to Goddess Durga." Capt Batra's extreme bravery and supreme sacrifice inspired his men to attack through the ledge and achieve the goal by fighting like men possessed.

Capt Batra's bravery, camaraderie, and devotion to duty were outstanding, and he would go down in military history as a hero. For his outstanding courage, steadfast resolve, leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Capt Vikram Batra was posthumously awarded the nation's highest gallantry award, the "Param Vir Chakra." Shri Girdhari Lal Batra, his mother Smt Kamal Kanta, and his twin brother Shri Vishal Batra survive Capt Vikram Batra.