Born in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, Captain Vikram Batra hailed from a close-knit family with a twin brother and two sisters. His academic journey took him to DAV College in Chandigarh, and later, he pursued postgraduate studies at Punjab University.
In 1996, Captain Batra embarked on his military career by enrolling at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Here, he underwent rigorous training for the armed forces, graduating a year later and being assigned to the 13th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
Captain Batra's life took a dramatic turn when his battalion was thrust into combat against Pakistani troops who had infiltrated Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) during the Kargil conflict.
Captain Batra's most pivotal and challenging mission was the seizure of Point 4875. His exceptional leadership and unwavering resolve earned him the codename "Sher Shah" and played a pivotal role in securing victory for the Indian armed forces.
Captain Batra became known by various heroic titles, including the "Tiger of Drass," the "Kargil Hero," and the "Lion of Kargil," symbolizing his indomitable spirit and bravery.
Even while battling high fever and fatigue, Captain Batra exhibited extraordinary courage. Reports highlight how he personally eliminated at least four Pakistani soldiers during the intense battle.
On July 7, as the mission neared its conclusion, Captain Batra demonstrated immense valor by risking his own life to aid Lieutenant Naveen Anaberu, who had suffered severe leg injuries in an explosion. Tragically, Captain Batra lost his life while attempting to save his fellow officer.
Captain Batra's father, GL Batra, penned a poignant book titled "Param Vir Vikram Batra, the Sher Shah of Kargil," chronicling the life and valor of his son.
In 2002, GL Batra undertook a heartfelt journey to Kargil, where he touched the soil sanctified by his son's supreme sacrifice. He described this visit as a pilgrimage-like experience, paying homage to the land where Captain Batra had left an indelible mark.
Captain Batra's extraordinary life and heroism were immortalized in the biographical film "Shershaah," featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani. This film, a testament to his legacy, was released on Amazon Prime Video on August 12, 2021, allowing his story to inspire generations to come.