Capt. Vikram Batra Birth Anniversary: Remembering Kargil War Hero

Captain Vikram Batra, a celebrated hero of the Kargil War, is remembered with deep reverence on his birth anniversary every year.

Military Career

Captain Vikram Batra was born on 9 September 1974, in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. He joined the Indian Army and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (13 JAK Rif), in 1997.

Role in Kargil War

During the 1999 Kargil War, Captain Batra's role was pivotal in reclaiming key positions such as Point 5140 and Point 4875, which were strategically important for India.

Nickname 'Shershaah'

His bravery on the battlefield earned him the code name "Shershaah" (Lion King) from his comrades and the enemy forces, recognizing his leadership and fearlessness.

'Yeh Dil Maange More'

After successfully capturing Point 5140, he famously declared 'Yeh Dil Maange More', symbolizing his undying determination to keep pushing forward in the fight.

Martyrdom

On 7 July 1999, during the final assault to capture Point 4875, Captain Batra was killed in action while trying to save an injured fellow soldier, a testament to his selflessness and heroism.

Param Vir Chakra

He was posthumously conferred with the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration, for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Kargil War.

Legacy

Captain Batra’s courage has been immortalized in the hearts of Indians. His legacy continues to inspire countless Indians, and his story is commemorated through various mediums, including the recent 2021 Bollywood film 'Shershaah'.