Captain Vikram Batra Death Anniversary: Keeping the Kargil War Hero in Memory

Captain Vikram Batra, who was raised in a middle-class household, rose quickly through the ranks of the Indian Army thanks to his drive, bravery, and leadership. The Kargil War hero, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, was from the Himachal Pradesh village of Ghuggar, which is close to Palampur.

During the Kargil War on July 7, 1999, the nation lost this valiant son. Captain Batra received the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award, in recognition of his heroic sacrifice.

Many people might be unaware that Captain Vikram, known to his friends by the moniker Sher Shar, was a green belt holder in karate. He competed nationally in table tennis as well.

As a college student, Captain Batra received another award: top NCC cadet (Air Wing) of Punjab Directorate, North Zone. Since he was a young child, he had desired to join the Indian Army. In 1996, he joined the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun) as a lieutenant, thereby realising his dream. Vikram Batra enlisted with the 13 JAK Rifles and joined the Jessore Company of the Manekshaw Battalion there.

He was elevated to the rank of Captain during the Kargil War.

On June 19, Vikram Batra’s Delta Company was given orders to retake peak 5140, one of the war’s most important heights. Despite the fact that the Pakistani soldiers had the advantage of being at the top, Batra and his men were able to ascend the hill and win the battle.

The following mission was for Captain Batra and his soldiers to seize possession of the 17,000-foot-high, 80-degree-sloped Point 4875.

On the evening of July 7, fog made the weather unfavourable as Batra and his troops advanced for their mission. The men nevertheless succeeded in climbing to the summit. Batra was severely hurt at this time while trying to save another officer. He persisted, anyway. India eventually took control of Point 4875 on July 8 in the morning after the Captain could no longer survive.

Captain Batra’s life and valour are the inspiration for the recently released Hindi movie Shershaah. Captain Vikram Batra was portrayed by actor Sidharth Malhotra in the film.