Kargil War Gallantry: Captain Vikram Batra “Yeh Dil Mange More”

“Ya to Tiranga lehrakar aunga ya to Tirange main lipta chala aunga, par aunga jaroor” (Either I will be back after hoisting the flag or I will be back wrapped in it, but I will come back for sure). It takes this level of exemplary courage and unmatched confidence at a Warfield to battle out with enemy single-handedly. And what do you think, in the midst of such emotions, could be the answer to challenging enemy officer who says “Why have you come here Shershah?? You will not go back”?? This is what an Indian Army officer had to say to this moron- “We will see who remains at the top of the hill within an hour”. Param Veer Captain Vikram Batra, codenamed ‘Shershah’, was the one to give this confident reply. Captain Batra accomplished what he said and within an hour Batra and his men ran over craven-hearted Pakis to capture Point 5140 in the early morning of 20^th June 1999. What follows here is a tribute to a gem we lost in Kargil War.

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Born on September 9th, 1974 in Palmpur, Himachal Pradesh to Mr. G.L. Batra and Mrs. Jai Kamal Batra, Vikram proved to be a very intelligent and jolly personality in school. During his graduation days he decided to Join Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. He was very fascinated by the life of a soldier. He is believed to be of the view “A soldier lives by chance, loves by choice and kills by profession”. After his graduation he was inducted in Jessore Company of Manekshaw battalion of IMA. As a brilliant Gentleman Cadet (GC) in IMA he was commissioned in 13 Jammu Kashmir Rifles (JAK Rif). IMA days earned him a nickname ‘Shershah’ for all his courage and enthusiasm that he had.

The first task given to his company was of capturing Point 5140, strategically important for the Kargil Sector. Captain Batra decided to lead his team from the rear of the peak to take the enemy by surprise. As the team neared the hilltop they faced a stiff machine gun fire from the enemy. Undeterred by the enemy fire Batra and his men reached the top and blew up the mortar position by grenades. He himself killed three enemy soldiers in a close combat. He was injured during the battle but continued fighting until the last enemy soldier was finished. Motivated by the courage of their officer the troops fell upon the enemy and captured point 5140 at 3:30 a.m. on June 20, 1999. 

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“Yeh Dil Mange More” was the new war cry invented by Captain Batra in this War. After his interview with NDTV from his bunker in the Kargil sector this slogan became the symbol of unstinting valor and courage of the Indian Army. In the interview just after capturing point 5140 Captain Batra is seen relaxed and calm but still hungry for more success and victory over the enemy. Such are the men of the Indian Army for whom fear is the word unknown. In reply to a Pakistani’s taunt that we will leave Kashmir if Indians give them Madhuri Dixit, Captain Batra shot the taunter and said “From Madhuri, With Love!!”. His was a perfect reply to the morons and he made them pay for their deeds.

The victory on Point 5140 was precious and paved way for other valuable victories as on Three Pimples, Point 5100 and Point 4700. After his successful attack on Pt. 5140 Batra led his men to victory at point 4750 and Point 4875. While rescuing a fellow officer during the attack on Point 4875 he was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded Param Veer Chakra (posthumously) for his exemplary valor and bravery in the face of enemy.

We still remember the legend in our hearts and may god give such a strength to every child of this nation.

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P.S.: Captain Batra's character was portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan in the movie L.O.C. Visit the below link to see Captain Batra’s interview from the Warfield. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs_KTxPugVc

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Photo Courtesy:  bharat-rakshak.com