September 9 marks the birth anniversary of India's Kargil War hero Captain Vikram Batra of 13 JAK RIF. The brave son of India was born on September 9 in the year 1974 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Stories about Vikram Batra's bravery and gallantery are now part of the folklore. On the birth anniversary of India's brave son and the martyred captain, here's trying to encapsulate the life of the Kargil War hero through important events that took place in his life.
Vikram Batra is also remembered by the nickname "Shershaah" that he earned for his indomitable spirit, courageous attitude and demeanour.
Vikram Batra is best remembered for his contribution to Operation Vijay, under which he was tasked to capture Point 5140 in Dras (now known as Gun Hill to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the gunners) during the Kargil War in 1999. Captain Batra successfully led his troops to capture Point 5140, which was essential for the Indian Army in pushing back and putting the enemy on the backfoot.
The next mission assigned to Captain Vikram Batra was to capture Point 4875 which was at 17,000 feet above the sea level. In an extraordinary display of bravery and leadership, he eliminated four enemy troops in close combat battle. In the task to capture Point 4875, Captain Batra killed five enemy soldiers in a ferocious hand-to-hand fight. Even in the face of heavy enemy firing, Captain Vikram Batra, despite sustaining injuries, led his troops from the front and achieved martyrdom on July 7, 1999 during the operation. The Indian troops fighting, inspired by his bravery, went on to finish the enemy and captured Point 4875.
For his gallantry, supreme sacrifice for the nation as well as brave leadership in the face of heavy enemy firing and the invincible courage showed in the battlefield, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded with the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous).
Captain Vikram Batra's life also inspired a film titled 'Shershaah'. A line delivered by the captain after he captured Point 5140 during the Kargil War in 1999, when he said "Ye Dil Maange More" (which translates to 'This heart wants more' and at the time was a phrase or caption from a beverage brand commercial), became symbolic of Captain Vikram Batra's courage and fearlessness.
