Kargil Vijay Diwas: Remembering Capt. Vikarm Batra- Hero of Operation Vijay

"Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolor or I will come back wrapped in it, will be back for sure." These fearless words by young martyr still continue to resonate in the psyche of the citizens of India. Needless to say, these immortal words are by Captain Vikarm Batra, PVC (P), also called as Sher Shah of Kargil battle.

Kargil Vijay Diwas observed on 26 July as saga of glorious victory of the nation during Kargil Conflict in May-July 1999. Indian Army soldiers fought legendary battles in Dras, Kaksar, Batalik and Turtok Sectors.

Captain Batra was born in Himachal Pradesh

Born and brought up in Himachal Pradesh's Palampur, Vikarma Batra is the son of G.L Batra and Jai Kamal Batra. Captain Batra completed his schooling from D.A.V Public School, Palampur and Central School, Palampur. During his college days at D.A.V College Chandigarh, became a recipient of best N.C.C Cadet (Air Wing).

Joined India Army in 1996

In 1996, Captain Batra took the decision of joining the Indian Military Academy over the high paying Merchant navy. His first commissioning was as a Lieutenant of the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles at Sopore in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Capturing Point 4875

Captain Vikarm Batra played a displayed exemplary leadership quality while capturing point 2875 during 'Operation Vijay'. Captain Batra was serving in 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Unit. On 7 July 1999, with utter disregard to his personal safety leading from the front, he rallied his team in the face of heavy enemy fire. Captain Batra in a fierce hand to hand fight killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range. Inspired by his daredevil act, his troops fell upon the enemy with the vengeance, annihilated them and captured Point 4875. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries.

Incompolete love story

Captin Batra fell in love with Dimple Cheema in Punjab University. They had plans to get married after Kargil battle. But, the dynamic man came back wrapped in tricolour as he told.

Relatives of martyrs paying floral tributes at the magnificent Drass war memorial at the base of famous Tololing featurein Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. PTI Photo