Who Was Captain Vikram Batra? Relive Story Of The Valiant Indian Army Soldier Who Inspired Movie Shershaah

Later Vikram Batra informed his parents about his desire to join the forces. He was commissioned into the Indian Army on 6 December 1997 in the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAK RIF). The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles has a unique regimental history. It was raised in 1821, by an intrepid Indian ruler Gulab Singh. He was one of the ablest Generals of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and later became the ruler of the Jammu and Kashmir state. The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles was later absorbed into the Indian Army as a distinct and separate regiment. In 1963, the designation was changed to Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

During the Kargil conflict in 1999, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles created an unprecedented record of bravery and sacrifice. On 26 May, the first air-to-ground strike was launched by the Indian Airforce (IAF), followed by Operation Vijay, by the Indian Army to evict the intruders from the Indian territory. After two months of violent confrontation, the war came to an end on 26 July 1999. 

The capture of Tololing changed the dynamics of the war. The next objectives were Point 5140 and Point 4875 as these features provided dominant viewpoints to the National Highway 1 Alpha. This task was entrusted to the 13 JAK RIF. Lieutenant Colonel Yogesh Kumar Joshi decided to employ the B and D Company under Captain SS Jamwal and Captain Vikram Batra respectively, for the task. It was after the success at Point 5140 that Captain Batra delivered his iconic success signal “Yeh Dil Mange More”.

 

Captain Vikram Batra, was the D Company commander tasked to capture Point 5140 on 20 June 1999. He reached close to the objective despite the treacherous terrain. He along with his company moved from the East while maintaining absolute silence achieving complete surprise. Captain Batra reorganised his column and displayed exemplary leadership as he fought the enemy from the forefront. The officer’s action motivated his men to physically attack the enemy positions. In an act of formidable courage, Captain Batra pounced onto the enemy and killed four intruders in the physical combat.

After Point 5140 was captured, 13 JAK RIF was tasked to capture Point 4875. On 7 July 1999 he and his company were tasked to clear enemy defences from a narrow feature with sharp cuttings on both the sides leading up to Point 4875 and Area Ledge. Captain Batra led the assault from the front and engaged with the enemy in a physical fight. He killed five enemy soldiers at point-blank range and he himself sustained serious injuries.

Despite his injuries, he moved towards the next enemy sangar and threw grenades to clear the enemy position. His dauntless determination inspired his men to clear the enemy from a dominating position. Later, he succumbed to his injuries. His fearless determination and leadership encouraged his company men to avenge his death and finally capture Point 4875.

Captain Vikram Batra's bravery, selflessness, and indomitable spirit have made him a symbol of heroism and inspiration in India. His story has been immortalized in books, movies, and songs, ensuring that his legacy lives on and continues to inspire future generations. Inspired by his courageous act, his troops annihilated the enemy and captured Point 4875. For exhibiting an act of conspicuous gallantry, inspiring leadership, indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous).