I assume that most of the readers didn’t know about Captain Vikram Batra, until they watched the movie “Sher Shah”. So I am here to take you on his long journey short. Captain Vikram Batra, born on 9th September 1974, was an officer in Indian Army. He was posthumously awarded with Param Vir Chakra for his actions during the Kargil War (1999). In Kargil war, what he did was one of the most difficult mountain warfare operations in Indian Military History.
Education:
There is a saying, decision taking capability of a person depends on the experience during early days. A child who has observed the struggles of his father and himself struggled for making new friends in school, is more likely to have high IQ. Resulting in better decision taking capability during critical situation. Vikram received his primary education from his mother, who herself was a teacher. He then attended the DAV Public School in Palampur and received senior secondary education from Central School, Palampur. After which he attended the DAV College. In his first year, he joined the Air Wing of NCC. He even underwent a 40 day Para trooping training with his NCC Air Wing unit. In addition he was the President of the Youth Service Club of his college.
Vikram was an all rounder. He was good at sports since school days. During college days, he had attained the rank of Senior Under Officer in NCC cadet. He also took part in the Republic Day parade as an NCC Cadet. He was such a patriot that he refused the Merchant Navy job in Hong Kong. After completing the Bachelor’s degree in 1995, he enrolled in MA English course in Panjab University in Chandigarh. With that, he started preparing for Combined Defense Service Examination. In 1996, he got a call from Service Selection Board in Allahabad through Combined Defense Service Examination. After the completion of Masters Degree, he left university and joined the Indian Military Academy.
Career:
In June 1996, a new journey began when he joined Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in Manekshaw Battalion. He completed his 19 month training course and graduated on 6 December 1997. He was, then, commissioned as lieutenant in the 13th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. After which he went for regimental training in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He got his first posting at Sopore in Baramulla district of J&K after completing the 1 month training.
Indian Army Officer is a job of lot of dedication and hard work. Vikram never hesitated in doing that. He went for 5 month training in Young Officer’s course in mid March 1998. He was awarded Alpha grading. After which, he joined his battalion in Sopore. Vikram had several encounters with militants. In January 1999, he went on a commando course in Belgaum, Karnataka. He was awarded the Instructor’s grade after the completion of this 2 month course.
Beginning his service as a lieutenant, he rose to the rank of Captain.
In 1999, Kargil war occurred between India and Pakistan. Captain Vikram Batra had a code name “Sher Shah”. Sher Shah and his battalion succeeded in defeating the enemy. Captain Vikram Batra was heavily injured and martyred. All the details of the war are present in the link below.
Every Indian was proud of him, but, he couldn’t know about it. His stories of bravery and determination are a good source of inspiration.
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