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Captain Vikram Batra was an Indian Army officer remembered for his remarkable bravery and leadership during the Kargil War of 1999. Moreover, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra which is India’s highest military award, for his actions in getting back strategic Indian positions from Pakistani intruders. Till today, Captain Batra’s tales of courage inspire every Indian soldier’s spirit as well as the generations to come. Read on to learn more in detail about Captain Vikram Batra.
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Captain Vikram Batra Biography
Here is the Biography of Captain Vikram Batra, the braveheart.
| Overview of Captain Vikram Batra | |
| Date of Birth | 9th of September, 1974 |
| Date of Martyrdom | 7th of July, 1999 |
| Service | Indian Army |
| Unit in Army | 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles |
| Rank | Captain |
| Years of Service | 1997 to 1999 |
| Education | DAV College |
| Indian Military Academy | |
| Panjab University | |
Early Life of Vikram Batra
On the 9th of September, 1974, Vikram Batra was born in the small town of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. His parents were Girdhari Lal Batra and Kamal Kanta Batra, both in the education sector.
- In addition, Batra grew up as a very active child and took part in sports and the like in school as well as at the national level.
- He was also good in his academics as well as an active participant in extracurricular activities.
- Moreover, Batra’s interest in the military began at a young age.
- He was in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing during his college years at DAV College, Chandigarh.
- Batra also received the honour of being given the best NCC Air Wing cadet in the North Zone.
- Thus, Batra was sure to serve our nation, he also aced the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) in his first attempt.
Also Read: 30 Interesting Facts about Indian Army That You Should Know
Military Career of Captain Vikram Batra
In June 1996, Batra joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. He went through stringent training as well as building his physical and mental strength.
| Battles and Awards of Captain Vikram Batra | |
| Battles | Kargil War in the year 1999 |
| Battle of Point 5140 | |
| Battle of Point 4875 † | |
| Awarded Posthumously | Param Vir Chakra |
- All knew Batra’s leadership qualities and strategic thinking, which earned him respect from his peers and instructors.
- After he passed out from IMA in December 1997, he was designated as a Lieutenant in the 13th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (13 JAK Rif).
Also Read: Timeline of India-Pakistan War
The Kargil War and the Param Vir Chakra
In May 1999, Pakistani troops entered into strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Kashmir.
- As part of the 13 JAK Rif, Captain Batra was sent to the war zone.
- During the important battle to recapture Point 4875 which was a heavily guarded Pakistani position, Captain Batra showed his skill and tactical understanding.
- Furthermore, he led his men from the front with determination, thus giving him the nickname “Sher Shah” (Lion King) from his troops.
- On the 19th of June 1999, Captain Batra, along with his men, successfully captured Point 5140 which was an important point overlooking Point 4875.
- Even though he got a lot of injuries, he refused medical attention and continued the assault.
- On the 7th of July 1999, leading another daring attack on Point 4875, Captain Batra destroyed enemy positions with grenades.
- Moreover, he cleared the path for his fellow soldiers by neutralising a machine gun post, however, sacrificing his life in the process.
FAQs
Captain Vikram Batra was the main hero of the Kargil War in 1999.
Vikram Batra is famous as he was a braveheart who sacrificed himself to save his mates during the war.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the PM during the Kargil War.
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