Late Captain Vikram Batra, fondly known as Sher Shah of Kargil who became a legend and epitome of inspiration for our brave soldiers. Most of you reading this article must have been in your early years of childhood when Kargil war was fought between India and Pakistan in 1999. But most of you must be familiar or ever have come across the name Captain Vikram Batra. Not only should every patriot know his name but should also be aware about the life of Late Captain Vikram Batra. Vikram sacrificed himself for protecting his beloved motherland amidst the insurgency of Pakistani troops in Kargil in 1999.

Early days of Vikram Batra’s life

Captain Vikram Batra was born on September 9, 1979 in Himachal Pradesh. Vikram spent his childhood in the mountain town of Palampur. He was the elder of the twin sons, born only fourteen minutes before his brother Vishal. The twins were nicknamed: ‘Luv’ (Vikram) and ‘Kush’ (Vishal), after the twin sons of Lord Rama. He was the third child of Girdhari Lal Batra, a government school principal and Kamal Kant, a school teacher. Vikram had two sisters named Seema and Nutan.

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Sher Shah of Kargil - Vikram Batra
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Vikram received his primary education from his mother. Then he went to D.A.V. Public School in Palampur, and further completed his senior secondary education from Central School, Palampur. He was a versatile student during his schooldays, possessing various skill sets. He represented his school and college in Karate, table tennis and many other games. He was sincere in studies, an enthusiastic sportsman and an avid participant in co-curricular activities. In short Vikaram was an all-rounder.

Captain Vikram Batra childhood photo
Quora

Had patriotic feelings from a very tender age

After passing his class 12th board with 82% marks Vikram went on to study B.Sc Medical Sciences from DAV College, Chandigarh. He joined NCC (National Cadet Corps) Air Wing in the first year. In the next two years of college, Vikram remained a cadet of the Army Wing of NCC. He got qualified for the ‘C’ certificate in the NCC and attained the rank of Senior Under Officer in his NCC unit. In 1994, Vikram was selected to to take part in Republic Day parade as a NCC cadet, and after attending the event when Vikram returned to his home, he told his parents that he wanted to join the Army.

Vikram Batra mother and father
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Vikram was keen on joining Indian Army. After completing his Bachelor’s degree in 1995, he prepared for Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination and also enrolled himself at Panjab University in Chandigarh, where he took admission in MA English. He attended evening classes at the University and also did part-time work in a travel agency in Chandigarh. Vikram told his father that “I do not want to be a burden on you, dad”. In the pursuit of his passion to serve the nation, he cleared the CDS examination with flying colours in 1996. Amidst this Vikram also declined a merchant navy job by a Hong-Kong based firm. Vikram said his mother that,

“Money is not everything in life; I have to do something bigger in life, something great, something extraordinary, for my country.”

Vikram Batra Love Story
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Vikram Batra’s military career

In 1996 Vikram joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun in June 1996 in the Manekshaw Battalion. After completing his training he was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the 13th battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. His first posting was in the town of Sapore in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

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Captain Vikram Batra Life
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Vikram has multiple encounters with militants in the area. Everytime Batra came his home town to Palampur on leave, he would visit Neugal Cafe. Last time he came home on leave from the army was in 1999, during Holi. Then he met his best friend and his fiancee Dimple Cheema who told him to be careful in the war, to which Vikram replied:

“I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it. But I’ll come for sure.”

After his short leave Vikram joined his battalion in Sopore. On 5th June, after the outrbreak of Kargil War, Barta’s deployment were changed to Dras, Jammu and Kahmir. Durinh war he used to call his parents atleast once in ten days. The last phone call he made was on 29 June 1999, to he said to his mother “Mummy, ek dum fit hoon, fikar mat karna”. The last time when Vikram spoke to his mother.

Captain Vikram Batra Facts
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The Kargil War

During the Kargil War, on June 19, 1999, under the command of Lt. Vikram Batra, the Indian army snatched point 5140 from right under the enemy’s nose. After the capture of Point 5140, Vikram was promoted to the rank of captain.

The battalion then moved to the Mushkoh Valley on 30 June. Captain Batra volunteered for the next mission to recapture point 4875. This point was 17000 feet above sea level and 80 degree steep. On July 7, 1999 in the early hours he was commanding a mission to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counter-attack. It is believed that during the rescue attempt, he pushed aside the injured officer saying “You have a family and children to go back to, I’m not even married.” In due course of this he was killed in action while clearing enemy positions and became immortal in the hearts of every Indian soldier.

Kargil Hero Captain Vikram Batra
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Vikram Batra Dimple Cheema love story is heart wrenching

There is one emotional side to the glorified life of Captain Vikram Batra. Dimple Cheema was Vikram’s love interest during his college days and he had plans to marry her once he came back from war but he never did. Captain Vikram Batra would have been the General of Indian Army Staff, had he returned from the Kargil War. The two met at Punjab University in 1995 where both of them were enrolled in M.A. English.

Vikram soon left the university when he got selected in Indian Military Academy but distance made their hearts grow fonder and stronger with time. The pressure of marriage was heavy and they both knew they were meant for each other. When Dimple grew restless because of the pressure of getting married, Vikram in truly filmy style took out his blade, slashed his thumb and used it as a sindoor to fill her ‘maang’. It is the rigorous exposers to battlefield that makes the Army men value love even more.

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Though fate played a cruel role in their in their love story. This wasn’t the end of Dimple and Vikram’s love story. Dimple has kept Vikram’s memory alive by preserving all his letters and gifts as token of his love. She chose not to marry and takes pride in what Vikram did for his country. Dimple says not a single day in the past 18 years has she ever felt detached from him. She expresses how his love has shaped her life and will stay with her forever and ever.

vikram batra girlfriend dimple
The Quint/YouTube

Awards and honors

Captain Vikram Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. As his signal to communicate the success of his missions, he was also well known for using the slogan “Yeh Dil Maange More”. In his remembrance, Captain Batra’s name is used by the Army for various constructions and cantonments. The historic capture of Point 4875 led to the mountain being named Batra Top in his honour. The combined cadet mess at the IMA is named “Vikram Batra Mess”.

vikram batra Param Vir Chakra
President K. R. Narayanan presenting the Param Vir Chakra (posthumous) to the father of Captain Vikram Batra, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. wikimedia

Tribute from Bollywood

2003 movie LOC Kargil was made as a tribute to the soldiers of Kargil War. Reportedly Abhishek Bacchan played the role of Captain Vikram Batra. In an upcoming biopic of Captain Vikaram Batra, Siddharth Malhotra will be seen playing the lead role. Not all heroes get a happy life but indeed that is the price a hero pays to become a hero.

About Vikram Batra
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Every year on July 26 we celebrate “Kargil Vijay Diwas” and pay homage to our brave heroes who sacrificed themselves for keeping us safe. In Kargil War India achieved victory over Pakistan in a decisive and gritty battle. It was all possible due to the contribution of numerous brave hearts. Among these many brave hearts was a man who went to become the face of many young Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting ferociously and dying fearlessly.

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Niharika Singh is an accomplished professional with an MBA from the prestigious IRMA. Currently serving as a Product Manager, she excels in crafting innovative solutions to address credit access challenges in Rural India. Beyond her professional prowess, Niharika is a versatile individual who passionately engages in discussing Fintech trends, psychology insights, and advocating for women empowerment. Since 2019, her passion for content writing has added a creative dimension to her pursuits. When not immersed in her professional and intellectual pursuits, you'll find Niharika indulging in her love for travel, trekking, badminton, and books.