Table of Contents
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Celebrated on July 26, this day honours the courageous soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district. Let’s take a look at 10 army heroes whose remarkable bravery will forever be cherished by India.
The bravery, courage, and dedication of these army heroes are truly exceptional. Their sacrifices serve as a powerful reminder of their unwavering commitment to our nation’s peace. In this article, we celebrate 10 remarkable army heroes and their courageous acts. These stories not only fill us with pride but also stir deep emotions. Every soldier in the Kargil War is a hero, and their legacies continue to inspire generations.
1. Captain Vikram Batra ( Param Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (13 JAK Rifles)
Born on September 9, 1974, in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, he was the son of Girdhari Lal Batra, a government school principal, and Kamal Kanta, a school teacher.
He joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in June 1996 and completed his training on December 6, 1997, after 19 months. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
Originally, his battalion was set to be deployed in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. However, on June 5, 1999, the orders were changed, and they were instead sent to Dras, Jammu and Kashmir, for the Kargil War.
He is widely regarded as a hero of the Kargil War for his pivotal role in recapturing Peak 5140, which overlooked the Tololing nullah. During the mission, he famously used the signal ‘Yeh Dil Mange More!‘ to signify their success.
After securing Peak 5140, he led another daring mission to capture Peak 4875. In the course of the battle, he bravely risked his life to save a wounded comrade but was tragically killed while clearing enemy positions. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery and selfless sacrifice.
Vikram Batra’s iconic quote when he returned home on leave was:
“Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolor (Indian flag), or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.”
Vikram Batra
2. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (Param Vir Chakra) (18 Grenadiers)
He became the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, born on May 10, 1980, in Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. In August 1999, Nayab Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav was honoured with India’s highest military decoration. During the Kargil War, his battalion successfully captured Tololing Top on June 12, 1999, though they lost 2 officers, 2 junior commissioned officers, and 21 soldiers in the process.
Yadav was also part of the Ghatak Platoon, tasked with taking three strategic bunkers on a cliff at an elevation of 16,500 feet on Tiger Hill. While scaling the cliff with a rope, he was hit multiple times by enemy rocket fire but continued his climb undeterred. Despite the immense pain, he crawled to the first bunker, threw a grenade, and killed around four Pakistani soldiers, significantly reducing enemy fire and giving his platoon a chance to ascend the cliff.
Yadav’s courage didn’t stop there; alongside his comrades, he destroyed the second bunker, eliminating more enemy soldiers and creating another opportunity for his platoon to move forward. Their relentless bravery led to the successful completion of one of the most difficult missions of the Kargil War.
In an interview with DD National, Yogendra Singh Yadav stated,
“A soldier is like a selfless lover. With this unconditional love comes determination. And for this love for his nation, regiment, and fellow soldiers, a soldier doesn’t think twice before risking his life.”
Yogendra Singh Yadav
3. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (Param Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (1/11 Gorkha Rifles)
Born on June 25, 1975, in Rudha village, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, he was the son of Shri Gopi Chand Pandey and Mohini Pandey. Serving with the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, he joined the Indian Army and earned the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military honor for bravery. He was posthumously awarded this prestigious recognition.
He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. During a mission to drive out enemy forces, he led multiple attacks despite being severely wounded. His unwavering courage and determination were instrumental in capturing Jaubar Top and Khalubar Hill in the Batalik sector.
During his Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, he was asked why he wanted to join the Army. His response was:
“I want to win the Param Vir Chakra.”
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
4. Lieutenant Balwan Singh (Maha Vir Chakra) (18 Grenadiers)
Born in October 1973 in Sasrauli, Rohtak district, Haryana, India, Lieutenant Balwan Singh led his Ghatak Platoon on July 3, 1999, in a daring assault on Tiger Hill Top from the North-Eastern direction, as part of a larger attack. The route was treacherous, situated at an altitude of 16,500 feet, covered with snow, and marked by crevasses and steep drops.
Despite having only three months of service, Lieutenant Singh approached the mission with unmatched determination. He led his team through the perilous route for over 12 hours under heavy artillery fire to reach their objective.
Using specialized mountaineering equipment, his team stealthily reached the summit, catching the enemy off guard. During a fierce firefight, Lieutenant Singh was seriously injured but continued to fight. He refused to be evacuated and instead encircled the enemy, killing four soldiers. His extraordinary leadership and bravery played a vital role in the successful capture of Tiger Hill. For his valour, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
5. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari (Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (18 Grenadiers)
Born in December 1970 in Nainital, Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), India, he was the son of KS Adhikari and Malti Adhikari. On May 30, 1999, he led his company on a mission to capture the Tololing feature, located at approximately 15,000 feet in a rugged, snow-covered terrain.
During the operation, he faced intense enemy fire from two well-fortified positions. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he quickly directed his Rocket Launcher team to target these positions before charging forward and killing two enemy soldiers in close combat.
With remarkable presence of mind, he ordered his Medium Machine Gun team to position themselves behind a rocky outcrop to engage the enemy. Despite being wounded, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his unit. He charged the second enemy position and killed another soldier. His actions led to the successful capture of Tololing and later Point 4590. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries afterwards. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honour for battlefield bravery.
6. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (Param Vir Chakra) (13 JAK Rif)
Born in March 1976 in Kalol Bakain, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, India, he was the son of Durga Ram and Bhag Devi.
On July 4, 1999, he volunteered to lead the scout team in an assault to capture the Flat Top area of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley. During the attack, the enemy’s fierce resistance from one of their positions halted his column’s progress.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he fearlessly charged the enemy position, putting his own safety aside. In the brutal hand-to-hand combat, he killed three enemy soldiers but sustained serious wounds. Despite his injuries, he refused evacuation and pressed on to attack a second enemy position. The enemy, caught off guard and disoriented, began retreating, leaving behind a universal machine gun.
He swiftly seized the weapon and used it to eliminate the retreating enemy forces. Despite heavy bleeding, he continued to inspire his comrades and fought relentlessly to capture the Flat Top area from the enemy. For his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
7. Major Vivek Gupta (Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (2 Rajputana Rifles)
Hailing from Dehradun, Major Vivek Gupta led Charlie Company of the 2 Rajputana Rifles in a daring assault on Tololing Top in the Drass Sector on June 13, 1999.
Under his inspiring leadership, despite facing intense artillery and machine gun fire, his company advanced towards the enemy. However, when they came under heavy, multi-directional fire, three men from the leading section were wounded, temporarily halting the attack. Recognizing the danger of more casualties, Major Gupta swiftly fired a Rocket Launcher at the enemy position.
With the enemy momentarily stunned, he charged forward. Even after being hit by two bullets, he pressed on, engaging in close combat and eliminating three enemy soldiers.
His remarkable courage and leadership motivated his company to push forward, ultimately leading to the capture of the enemy’s position. During the battle, Major Gupta was struck by enemy fire again and tragically succumbed to his injuries. His heroic leadership played a vital role in the successful capture of Tololing Top. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honour.
8. Captain N Kenguruse (Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (ASC, 2 RAJ RIF)
Born in July 1974 in Kohima District, Nagaland, India, he was the son of Neiselie Kenguruse and Dinuo Kenguruse.
On the night of June 28, 1999, during Operation Vijay, he served as the Ghatak Platoon Commander in an attack on Area Black Rock in the Drass Sector.
He led a courageous mission to neutralize a heavily fortified enemy machine gun position on a cliff that was obstructing his battalion’s advance. As his team climbed the cliff, they came under intense mortar and automatic gunfire, resulting in significant casualties.
Despite suffering a severe splinter injury to his abdomen that caused severe bleeding, he urged his team to press on. Upon reaching the top of the cliff, they encountered a sheer rock wall. Undeterred, he scaled the wall with a rocket launcher, fired at the enemy position, and took control. In close combat, he killed two enemy soldiers with his rifle and another two with his commando knife before succumbing to his injuries.
9. Lt. Keishing Clifford Nongrum (Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (12 JAK LI)
Born in March 1975 in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, he was the son of Keishingh Peter and Saily Nongrum.
During the operation to capture Point 4812 in the Batalik Sector, he was tasked with attacking from the South-Eastern direction. He led his team up a nearly impossible vertical cliff, despite the enemy’s strong defences that even withstood artillery fire.
His column came under intense automatic gunfire from the enemy for about two hours. Unshaken, he threw grenades into the enemy positions, eliminating six soldiers. He then attempted to seize a universal machine gun from the enemy’s second position but was struck by bullets.
His brave actions left the enemy in shock. Despite suffering severe injuries, he continued to fight until he ultimately succumbed to his wounds. His exceptional courage and leadership were critical to the successful capture of Point 4812. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honour.
10. Naik Digendra Kumar (Maha Vir Chakra) (2 RAJ RIF)
Born in July 1969 in Sikars, Rajasthan, India, he was the son of Shri Sivedan Singh and Smt. Raj Gore. He led the Light Machine Gun Group during his company’s assault on the Tololing feature in the Drass Sector, with the goal of capturing a heavily defended enemy position.
On June 13, 1999, as the Assault Group approached its target, they came under intense fire from machine guns, artillery, and small arms, resulting in substantial casualties. Despite being shot in his left arm, he continued to fire with one hand, delivering accurate and effective Light Machine Gun fire that forced the enemy into cover, allowing his team to advance.
His relentless covering fire played a critical role in enabling his team to physically assault and capture the enemy position after a fierce hand-to-hand battle. His exceptional bravery and leadership were crucial to the success of the operation. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honour, on Independence Day 1999.
These heroic acts serve as a testament to the extraordinary courage displayed by Kargil War heroes, whose sacrifices continue to make India proud. Their bravery is commemorated annually on Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26 to honour their contributions and sacrifices during the Kargil War.
Conclusion
As we observe Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, we pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the 10 remarkable heroes who played a pivotal role in the outcome of the Kargil War. Their tales of courage, determination, and unwavering dedication stand as powerful reminders of their commitment to our nation. These valiant soldiers faced unimaginable hardships, placing their lives at risk to secure our freedom and safety.
Their heroic actions not only led to the successful capture of critical positions but also inspired countless individuals with their unbreakable spirit. Their sacrifices, made against overwhelming odds, continue to resonate deeply within our hearts and remind us of the timeless values of bravery and patriotism.
As we honour these heroes, let us also reflect on the collective strength and unity they demonstrated, which were crucial to our victory. Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a tribute to their enduring legacy—a day to celebrate their contributions and ensure their memory remains alive. Their courage will forever be etched in the history of our nation, and their stories will always be cherished as a testament to the remarkable spirit of our armed forces.
