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Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Celebrated on July 26, this day honors the brave soldiers who fought in the Kargil War between May and July 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district. Let’s explore 10 Army heroes and their remarkable bravery that India will always cherish.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: On July 26, every year, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War, which took place from May to July 1999. This day also celebrates the success of ‘Operation Vijay,’ launched in 1999 to reclaim the territories occupied by Pakistani forces in the Kargil Drass region.
The bravery, courage, and dedication of these army heroes are extraordinary. Their stories of sacrifice remind us of their commitment to our nation’s peace. In this article, we highlight 10 remarkable army heroes and their acts of courage. These stories not only fill us with pride but also bring a touch of emotion. Each soldier in the Kargil War is a hero, and their legacies continue to inspire.
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 graduated on December 6, 1997, after 19 months of training. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
Initially, his battalion was set to move to Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, but on June 5, 1999, the orders were changed, and they were sent to Dras in Jammu and Kashmir for the Kargil War.
He is celebrated as a hero of the Kargil War for his key role in recapturing Peak 5140, which overlooks the Tololing nullah. During the mission, he used the signal ‘Yeh Dil Mange More!’ to mark their success.
After securing Peak 5140, he led another challenging mission to capture Peak 4875. During this battle, he risked his life to save a wounded comrade and was killed while clearing enemy positions. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his bravery and sacrifice.
Vikram Batra’s memorable quote when he came 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 was 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 awarded India’s highest military honor. His battalion captured Tololing Top on June 12, 1999, during which they lost 2 officers, 2 junior commissioned officers, and 21 soldiers.
Yadav was also part of the Ghatak Platoon, tasked with capturing three key bunkers on a cliff about 16,500 feet high on Tiger Hill. While climbing with a rope, enemy rocket fire hit him multiple times, but he pressed on. Despite the pain, he crawled to the first enemy bunker, threw a grenade, and killed around four Pakistani soldiers, which reduced enemy fire and allowed his platoon to climb the cliff.
Yadav continued his brave effort by destroying the second bunker with his fellow soldiers, killing more enemy troops and again creating an opening for his platoon to advance. Their efforts led to completing one of the toughest missions of the Kargil War.
In an interview with DD National, Yogendra Singh Yadav said,”
“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. He served with the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles and joined the Indian Army to earn the Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for bravery. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. During his mission to drive out enemy troops, he led a series of attacks despite being severely injured. His bravery and relentless efforts were key in capturing Jaubar Top and Khalubar Hill in the Batalik sector.
During his Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, he was questioned why he wanted to join the Army. He answered,
“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 an assault on Tiger Hill Top from the North-Eastern direction as part of a larger attack. The route was extremely challenging, located at an altitude of 16,500 feet, covered in snow, and marked by crevasses and steep drops.
Despite having only three months of service, Lieutenant Singh approached the mission with unwavering determination. He led his team for over 12 hours through a treacherous route under heavy artillery fire to reach the target area.
His team stealthily reached the top using specialized mountaineering equipment, surprising the enemy. Faced with a fierce firefight, Lieutenant Singh was seriously injured but continued to fight. He refused evacuation, instead encircling the enemy and killing four soldiers. His exceptional leadership and bravery were crucial in capturing Tiger Hill. For his courage, 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. The enemy stronghold was located at around 15,000 feet in a snowy, rugged terrain.
During the operation, he faced intense enemy fire from two well-protected positions. He quickly directed his Rocket Launcher team to target these positions and then rushed in, killing two enemy soldiers in close combat.
Showing 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 continued to lead his unit and refused evacuation. He charged the second enemy position, killing one more soldier. His efforts led to the capture of Tololing and, later, Point 4590. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries later. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s second-highest military honor 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 attack to capture the Flat Top area of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley. During the assault, the enemy’s strong resistance from one of their positions halted the progress of his column.
Understanding the critical situation, he bravely charged the enemy position, disregarding his own safety. In the fierce hand-to-hand combat, he killed three enemy soldiers but was seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, he refused evacuation and attacked a second enemy position. The enemy, surprised and disorganized, began to retreat, leaving behind a universal machine gun.
He seized the abandoned weapon and used it to eliminate the fleeing enemy. Although he was bleeding heavily, he motivated his fellow soldiers and continued the fight to capture the Flat Top area from the enemy. For his exceptional bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
7. Major Vivek Gupta (Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous) (2 Rajputana Rifles)
He was from Dehradun. On June 13, 1999, Major Vivek Gupta led Charlie Company of the 2 Rajputana Rifles in an attack on Tololing Top in the Drass Sector.
Under Major Gupta’s inspiring leadership, despite heavy artillery and machine gun fire, his company managed to advance towards the enemy. When they came under intense multi-directional fire, three men from the leading section were injured, temporarily halting the attack. Realizing the risk of more casualties if they remained exposed, Major Gupta quickly fired a Rocket Launcher at the enemy position.
While the enemy was still in shock, he charged their position. Despite being hit by two bullets, he continued forward, engaging in close combat and killing three enemy soldiers.
His bravery motivated his company to push forward and eventually capture the enemy position. During the battle, Major Gupta was hit by enemy fire again and succumbed to his injuries. His courageous leadership played a crucial role in capturing Tololing Top. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s second-highest military honor.
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 the attack on Area Black Rock in the Drass Sector.
He led a daring mission to take out a heavily fortified enemy machine gun position on a cliff face, which was blocking his battalion’s progress. As his commando team climbed the cliff, they faced intense mortar and automatic gunfire, causing heavy casualties.
Despite suffering a severe splinter injury in his abdomen that caused heavy bleeding, he urged his team to continue the assault. Upon reaching the top of the cliff, they were stopped by a sheer rock wall. He bravely scaled the wall with a rocket launcher, fired at the enemy position, and took control. In hand-to-hand combat, he personally killed two enemy soldiers with his rifle and another two with his commando knife before succumbing to his injuries.
His bravery neutralized the enemy position and allowed his battalion to advance. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s second-highest military honor.
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 assigned to attack from the South-Eastern direction. He led his team up a nearly impossible vertical cliff, despite the enemy’s strong defensive positions that withstood even artillery fire.
His column came under intense automatic fire from the enemy for about two hours. Undeterred, he threw grenades into the enemy positions, killing six soldiers. He then attempted to seize a universal machine gun from the enemy’s second position but was hit by bullets.
His brave actions left the enemy stunned. Despite his severe injuries, he continued to fight until he succumbed to his wounds. His courage and leadership were key to the successful capture of Point 4812. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s second-highest military honor.
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 commanded the Light Machine Gun Group during his company’s assault on the Tololing feature in the Drass Sector, aiming to capture a well-defended enemy position.
On June 13, 1999, as the Assault Group neared its target, they came under heavy fire from machine guns, artillery, and small arms, resulting in significant casualties. Despite being hit by a bullet in his left arm, he continued to fire with one hand, delivering precise and effective Light Machine Gunfire that forced the enemy to take cover and allowed his troops to advance.
His covering fire was crucial for his team to physically assault and capture the enemy position after a fierce hand-to-hand battle. His bravery and leadership were key to the successful capture of the objective. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honor, on Independence Day 1999.
These stories highlight the incredible bravery of Kargil heroes who fought with extraordinary courage and made India proud. Their sacrifices are remembered and honored on Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26 each year to commemorate their contributions during the Kargil War.
Conclusion
As we commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, we honor the remarkable bravery and sacrifice of the 10 extraordinary heroes who shaped the outcome of the Kargil War. Their stories of courage, determination, and unwavering dedication serve as a powerful reminder of their commitment to our nation. These brave soldiers faced unimaginable challenges, putting their lives on the line to secure our freedom and safety.
Their heroic actions not only led to the successful capture of critical positions but also inspired countless others with their indomitable spirit. Their sacrifices, made in the face of overwhelming odds, continue to resonate deeply within our hearts and remind us of the values of bravery and patriotism.
As we remember these heroes, let us also reflect on the collective strength and unity they displayed, which helped us achieve victory. Kargil Vijay Diwas is a tribute to their legacy—a day to honor their contributions and ensure that their memory lives on. Their courage will forever be etched in the annals of history, and we will always hold their stories close as a testament to the incredible spirit of our armed forces.
FAQs
Q1: What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?
Ans: Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 each year to honor the Indian soldiers who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War in 1999. It marks the day when India successfully reclaimed the Kargil district from Pakistani invaders.
Q2: Why is Kargil Vijay Diwas significant?
Ans: The day is significant because it commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers who fought in challenging conditions to defend the nation’s borders. It is a day to remember and pay tribute to their valor and dedication.
Q3: How many soldiers were involved in the Kargil War?
Ans: The Kargil War involved thousands of Indian soldiers who engaged in intense combat to reclaim strategic positions in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The exact number of soldiers varies, but their collective effort was crucial in achieving victory.
Q4: Who are some of the notable heroes of the Kargil War?
Ans: Some notable heroes of the Kargil War include Lieutenant Vikram Batra, Nayab Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Major Vivek Gupta. These soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery and leadership during the conflict.
Q5: What is the Maha Vir Chakra?
Ans: The Maha Vir Chakra is India’s second-highest military decoration awarded for acts of extraordinary valor in the face of the enemy. It is given to those who display exceptional courage during combat.
Q6: What is the Param Vir Chakra?
Ans: The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military honor awarded by India for acts of the utmost bravery and sacrifice in battle. It is given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage under the most challenging circumstances.
Q7: How is Kargil Vijay Diwas observed?
Ans: Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed through various ceremonies and events, including memorial services, parades, and public gatherings. It is a time for paying respects to fallen soldiers and honoring their memory.
Q8: What were the key battles of the Kargil War?
Ans: Key battles of the Kargil War included the operations to capture Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875. These battles were critical in reclaiming strategic positions and achieving victory.
Q9: How can individuals honor the heroes of the Kargil War?
Ans: Individuals can honor the heroes by participating in commemorative events, sharing their stories, and reflecting on their sacrifices. Supporting veterans and their families is also a meaningful way to pay tribute.
Q10: Why is it important to remember the Kargil War heroes?
Ans: Remembering the Kargil War heroes is important to acknowledge their sacrifices and inspire future generations. It ensures that their bravery and dedication are never forgotten and reinforces the values of courage and patriotism.
