[Reader-list] Lets Remember Captain Vikram Batra - Yeh Dil Maange More

[Pawan Durani]

Today is the death anniversary of Martyr Captain Vikram Batra

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Galleries/Courage/Batra/

Captain Vikram Batra, PVC
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*I'll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return
wrapped in it.*
- Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra, PVC

Twin sons were born to the family of Mr Girdhari Lal Batra and Mrs Jai Kamal
Batra, on 09 September 1974 at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The family had two
daughters earlier and twin sons were a joyful addition to the family. The
family nicknamed the twins as 'Luv' (Vikram) and 'Kush' (Vishal). Luv
received his primary education from his mother, who herself is a teacher. He
received his education up to Middle Standard at the D.A.V. Public School in
Palampur and up to senior secondary stage in Central School, Palampur. Both
his sisters are married and his twin-brother, Kush, is undergoing an
internship training course as a Junior Executive with Tata Finance Limited.
He was very brilliant, diligent, and active from the very beginning of his
student life. He was very popular among his friends, students and teachers
since, he was ever smiling and respectful to everyone. He was an all
rounder, good in studies, always a first divisioner, equally good in sports
and all other co-curricular activities. He always kept himself in first line
and among the toppers in all the different fields. He was also a green belt
holder in Karate. He always kept himself in first line and among the toppers
in all the different fields. He used to sweep almost 75% of the prizes from
the prize distribution table during his schooling. He participated in
'national level' table tennis (Central Schools) and represented the North
Zone. He participated in a national youth parliamentary competition.

After passing his 10+2 in 1992 from Central School Palampur, he got admitted
in D.A.V. College, Chandigarh in B.Sc where he was adjudged the best N.C.C.
Cadet (Air Wing) in two zones. He was selected and underwent a helicopter
flight course for 40 days at the Pinjore flying club. He was also selected
for the 1994 Republic Day Parade at New Delhi. During his B.Sc. course in
1995, he was selected to join the Merchant Navy at a company in Hong Kong.
However in the nick of time, he dropped the idea of joining the Merchant
Navy due to his patriotic zeal to serve the Nation. As a true son and
soldier of the motherland, he decided to join the Indian Army as a
Commissioned Officer. He joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in June
1996 at Dehradun. After passing out in December 1997, he joined the army as
a Lieutenant of the 13 JAK Rifles at Sopore, Jammu & Kashmir. Later he was
sent for the Young Officer's Course at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya
Pradesh where he was awarded alpha grading for his overall performance.
Next, he attended a 35-day commando course at Belgaum, Karnataka in
February-March 1999 where upon completion of the course, he was placed in
Instructor's Grade.

On 01 June 1999, his unit proceeded to the Kargil Sector on the eruption of
a war-like situation in Kargil, Drass and Batalik sub-sectors from where he
was sent along with his company on the first strategic and daring operation
to recapture the first peak of utmost importance - Point 5140, which was at
an altitude of 17,000 feet. Upon reaching Point 5140, leading a company of
troops, he encountered the commander of the Pakistani-backed terrorists on
radio. The enemy commander challenged him by saying, "Why have you come
Shershah (Vikram's nick name given by his commanding officer), you will not
go back." Captain Batra, being the last person to back away from a fight,
replied, "We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top." In a short
while Captain Batra and his company of troops killed eight enemy soldiers
and more importantly captured a heavy anti-aircraft machine gun,
neutralising the advantageous peak. Mission Point 5140 was a success!

Re-capture of Point 5140 paved the way to the return of the rest of peaks
and cleared the Srinagar-Leh highway which sat in motion of successes like
capturing Point 5100, 4700 Junction, Three Pimples and the ultimate prize -
Tiger Hill. Soon after capturing Point 5140, he radioed his commanding
officer and said jubilantly, "Yeh Dil Mange More!" On the successful capture
of the vital peak he was congratulated & graced by the Chief of Army Staff,
General Ved Prakash Malik on telephone. After taking rest for 4 to 5 days he
proceeded towards Point 4750, where he was challenged again by the enemy who
said, "Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your dead bodies," to which
Captain Batra curtly replied, "Don't worry about us, Pray for your safety."
He captured Point 4750 and hoisted the national flag. He also played a
commendable role in the capture of Tiger Hill. He had dedicated himself and
was determined for total victory.

Captain Batra was on a victory rampage, his heart asking for more honor and
victory. He volunteered himself for a third crucial operation, recapturing
Point 4875 which was at an altitude of 17,000 feet and had a gradient of 80
degrees. He attacked the peak along with his company and another led by
Captain Anuj Nayyar, MVC. They gave the enemy a tough time, killed a number
of enemy troops and re-captured the peak on 05 July 1999. The enemy counter
attacked the peak on 07 July 1999, but he retaliated the counter attack with
vigour. In the heat of the battle, one of his junior officers (Lieutenant
Naveen) was seriously injured and he immediately went to his rescue. While
dragging Lieutenant Naveen back under cover, he pleaded to Captain Batra to
let him continue the fight despite his injuries to which Captain Batra
replied, "Tu baal bachedaar hai! Hatt jaa peeche." (You have kids and a wife
to look after! Get back). Destiny however had something else in store for
him and during the rescue, the brave Captain was hit by a bullet in the
chest. With the words Jai Mata Di on his lips, he fell down and was hit
again in the waist by an artillery splinter. Before succumbing to his
grievous injuries, this brave son of the motherland and a true lion of
Bharat Mata killed another five enemy soldiers.

Captain Vikram Batra fought with exceptional bravery and magnitude, which is
rarely seen. He has set an example before the youth of our nation, which
shall inspire generations to come. In recognition of his gallant act, Point
4875 has now been renamed as Captain Vikram Batra Top and has received all
credit to capturing this vital peak by his Commanding Officer, Colonel Y.K.
Joshi, 13 JAK Rifles. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous
personal bravery and junior leadership of the highest order in the face of
the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's
highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. G.L. Batra,
received the award from the President of India, on behalf of his brave son.

Article *©* Mr Girdhari Lal Batra, father of Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra,
PVC