The Param Vir Chakra

[Righteous_Fire]

Note: I was interested in knowing more about the The Param Vir Chakra, the Soldiers who were awarded the medal and the conditions of battle in which they were given this honor. All constructive input is welcome, BUT, dishonor or disrespect for these soldiers will not be tolerated. Though, you are free to voice your opinions in all other aspects of the matter.

Recipient Abdul Hamid (soldier)

​

The citation for the Param Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:

COMPANY QUARTER MASTER HAVILDAR ABDUL HAMID
4 GRENADIERS (NO 2639985)​

At 0800 hours on 10 September 1965 Pakistan forces launched an attack with a regiment of Patton tanks on a vital area ahead of village Cheema on the Bhikkiwind road in the Khem Karam Sector. Intense artillery shelling preceded the attack. The enemy tanks penetrated the forward position by 0900 hours. Realising the grave situation, Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid who was commander of an RCL gun detachment moved out to a flanking position with his gun mounted on a jeep, under intense enemy shelling and tank fire. Taking an advantageous position, he knocked out the leading enemy tank and then swiftly changing his position, he sent another tank up in flames. By this time the enemy tanks in the area spotted him and brought his jeep under concentrated machine-gun and high explosive fire. Undeterred, Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid kept on firing on yet another enemy tank with his recoilless gun. While doing so, he was mortally wounded by an enemy high explosive shell.

Havildar Abdul Hamid’s brave action inspired his comrades to put up a gallant fight and to beat back the heavy tank assault by the enemy. His complete disregard for his personal safety during the operation and his sustained acts of bravery in the face of constant enemy fire were a shining example not only to his unit but also to the whole division and were in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

 

[Righteous_Fire]

I posted Soldier Abdul Hamid first because it was interesting to know that not only a Muslim had laid down his life for his motherland India but that his nation Honored him with its Highest Military Award.



This was quite refreshing to know. Things like these help to wash away the mistrust and hatred that India and Pakistan have suffered from for the last 60+ years.

 

[xebex]

Captain Vikram Batra

Captain Vikram Batra PVC (September 9, 1974 – July 7, 1999) was an officer of the Indian Army, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest award for valour, for his actions during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor on 15 August 1999, the 52nd anniversary of India's independence. His father Mr. G.L. Batra received the honor for his deceased son from the President of India, the late K.R. Narayanan.

Captain Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rifles, and his Delta Company was given the task of recapturing Point 5140. Nicknamed Sher Shah ('Lion King' in Hindi) for his unstinting courage, he decided to lead the rear, as an element of surprise would help stupefy the enemy. He and his men ascended the sheer rock-cliff, but as the group neared the top, the enemy pinned them on the face of the bare cliff with machine gun fire. Captain Batra, along with five of his men, climbed up regardless and after reaching the top, hurled two grenades at the machine gun post. He single-handedly killed three enemy soldiers in close combat. He was seriously injured during this, but insisted on regrouping his men to continue with the mission. Inspired by the courage displayed by Captain Batra, the soldiers of 13 JAK Rifles charged the enemy position and captured Point 5140 at 3:30 a.m. on 20 June 1999. His company is credited with killing at least eight Pakistani soldiers and recovering a heavy machine gun.

The capture of Point 5140 set in motion a string of successes, such as Point 5100, Point 4700, Junction Peak and Three Pimples. Along with fellow Captain Anuj Nayyar, Batra led his men to victory with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875. He was killed when he tried to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counterattack against Point 4875 in the early morning hours of 7 July 1999. His last words were, "Jai Mata Di." ('Hail the Divine Mother'). For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.


His Quotes:

(1) Batra's Yeh Dil Maange More! (My heart asks for more!), erstwhile a popular slogan for a Pepsi commercial, became an iconic battle cry that swept across the country and remains popular with millions of Indians, invoked at patriotic public events, in memory of the war and the soldiers, and as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Indian patriotism and valor in face of future attacks.

(2)Upon reaching Point 5140, he got into a cheeky radio exchange with an enemy commander, who challenged him by saying, "Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram’s nick name given by his commanding officer)? You will not go back." Captain Vikram Batra is said to have replied, "We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top."

(3)While dragging Lt. Naveen back under cover, Naveen pleaded to Captain Batra to let him continue the fight in spite the injuries to which Captain Batra replied "Tu baal bachedaar hai!! Hatt jaa peeche," ("You have kids and wife to look after! Get back!").
Batra's last words were the battle-cry "Jai Mata Di!" ("Victory to Mother Durga!")

(4)"Ya toh Tiranga lehrake awunga, ya fir Tirange mein lipta huwa awunga, lekin awunga" (Either I will come back after hoisting the Indian flag, or I will come back wrapped in it, but i will be back for sure).

(5)"In reply to a Pakistani's taunt that they will leave Kashmir if Indians give them Madhuri Dixit, a popular bollywood actress,gave him the reply, "Sorry, Madhuri is busy!".he then shot the taunter and said " From Madhuri,With love"

PS: The 2003 Hindi film LOC Kargil based on the entire Kargil conflict had Abhishek Bacchan playing the role of Captain Batra.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikram_Batra

 

[xebex]

Also there are many sikhs who recived the Param Vir Chakra, and they are a minority. No matter if u r a hindu, muslim, sikh, christain or anybody else....they all fought for one single cause- India.

 

[garibnawaz]

I posted Soldier Abdul Hamid first because it was interesting to know that not only a Muslim had laid down his life for his motherland India but that his nation Honored him with its Highest Military Award.



This was quite refreshing to know. Things like these help to wash away the mistrust and hatred that India and Pakistan have suffered from for the last 60+ years.

My friend whoever does good for our nation is honored with great rewards irrespective of his religion caste etc.

Dr.Abdul Kalam is another example.

I was a SUO of my NCC company of my college just because I deserve it.

GB

 

[garibnawaz]

Also there are many sikhs who recived the Param Vir Chakra, and they are a minority. No matter if u r a hindu, muslim, sikh, christain or anybody else....they all fought for one single cause- India.

Anyone remember Irfan Pathan's expressions after he gained hat-tric against Pakistan?

He is not soldier but he did his duty for the country.

GB

 

[TsAr]

Captain Vikram Batra


His Quotes:

(1) Batra's Yeh Dil Maange More! (My heart asks for more!), erstwhile a popular slogan for a Pepsi commercial, became an iconic battle cry that swept across the country and remains popular with millions of Indians, invoked at patriotic public events, in memory of the war and the soldiers, and as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Indian patriotism and valor in face of future attacks.

(2)Upon reaching Point 5140, he got into a cheeky radio exchange with an enemy commander, who challenged him by saying, "Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram’s nick name given by his commanding officer)? You will not go back." Captain Vikram Batra is said to have replied, "We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top."

(3)While dragging Lt. Naveen back under cover, Naveen pleaded to Captain Batra to let him continue the fight in spite the injuries to which Captain Batra replied "Tu baal bachedaar hai!! Hatt jaa peeche," ("You have kids and wife to look after! Get back!").
Batra's last words were the battle-cry "Jai Mata Di!" ("Victory to Mother Durga!")

(4)"Ya toh Tiranga lehrake awunga, ya fir Tirange mein lipta huwa awunga, lekin awunga" (Either I will come back after hoisting the Indian flag, or I will come back wrapped in it, but i will be back for sure).

(5)"In reply to a Pakistani's taunt that they will leave Kashmir if Indians give them Madhuri Dixit, a popular bollywood actress,gave him the reply, "Sorry, Madhuri is busy!".he then shot the taunter and said " From Madhuri,With love"

PS: The 2003 Hindi film LOC Kargil based on the entire Kargil conflict had Abhishek Bacchan playing the role of Captain Batra.

Vikram Batra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

With due respect I dont believe in this that during the intense fighting soldiers of both the armies were chatting to each other......the radio frequencies of all the armies are top secrets and the radio is only used for communication between the soldiers themselves or the company commander.....Its only insane all these things about madhuri etc.....more of a bollywood flick

 

[garibnawaz]

With due respect I dont believe in this that during the intense fighting soldiers of both the armies were chatting to each other......the radio frequencies of all the armies are top secrets and the radio is only used for communication between the soldiers themselves or the company commander.....

They were not on radio. They were face to face in their respective bunkers.

Pakistani army bunkers were daring Capt.Batra to come forward and face them. That was the time when the conversation or may I say daring each other took place.

Its only insane all these things about madhuri etc.....more of a bollywood flick

Not at all. In 1948 the taunts were made on Madam Noorjahan.

the radio is only used for communication between the soldiers themselves or the company commander....

Enemies like India-Pakistan know each others frequencies. In Kashmir and Punjab sector hearing each other's radio is a daily business.

 

[Patriot]

LMAO!!The guy was chit chatting with Pakistani Army Commander at the same time saving his *** from enemy fire.

 

[TsAr]

GaribNawaz i was referring to this
(2)Upon reaching Point 5140, he got into a cheeky radio exchange with an enemy commander, who challenged him by saying, "Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram’s nick name given by his commanding officer)? You will not go back." Captain Vikram Batra is said to have replied, "We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top."

If you think that Pakistan and India know each other;s radio frequency then I am sorry to say you dont know anything about army.....Company comanders of a army speak over the radio to discuss stategies and formation.....what do you think two indian commanders talking over the fone about how to attack pakistan army post and Pakistan commanders listening to them over the radio lol....

 

[garibnawaz]

GaribNawaz i was referring to this
(2)Upon reaching Point 5140, he got into a cheeky radio exchange with an enemy commander, who challenged him by saying, "Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram’s nick name given by his commanding officer)? You will not go back." Captain Vikram Batra is said to have replied, "We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top."

If you think that Pakistan and India know each other;s radio frequency then I am sorry to say you dont know anything about army.....Company comanders of a army speak over the radio to discuss stategies and formation.....what do you think two indian commanders talking over the fone about how to attack pakistan army post and Pakistan commanders listening to them over the radio lol....

How come the Pakistani commander knew that his nick is Sher-Shah?

Either Batra himself told him or he intercepted some Indian radio message which compromised the nick of Capt.Batra.

Pakistan commanders listening to them over the radio lol...

Musharraf sitting in Beijing and Jahangir Karamat in Rawalpindi were having important and confidential discussions. They were taped by RAW and coversation was made public via Indian Media.

If conversations between Generals can be taped which are going on a secured line between Pak-China then why cant the radio frequencies can be taped too??

 

[gubbi]

LMAO!!The guy was chit chatting with Pakistani Army Commander at the same time saving his *** from enemy fire.

Quite the contrary, my friend! PVC Capt. Vikram Batra royally ripped open that Intruder (Pakistani Army) Commander's arse! ROFLMAO!!

 

[TsAr]

How come the Pakistani commander knew that his nick is Sher-Shah?

Either Batra himself told him or he intercepted some Indian radio message which compromised the nick of Capt.Batra.



Musharraf sitting in Beijing and Jahangir Karamat in Rawalpindi were having important and confidential discussions. They were taped by RAW and coversation was made public via Indian Media.

If conversations between Generals can be taped which are going on a secured line between Pak-China then why cant the radio frequencies can be taped too??

I dont want to argue with you......But I am amazed at your stupidity and lack of knowledge......Its the indian version or it is narrated that the Pakistan commander knew his nick name....Have you heard this from a Pakistani commander that I knew his nick name or I spoke to him....totally nonsense...secondly my frnd General Musharraf was made the chief of army staff after Jehangir Karamat retired you need to correct your history....It was Musharraf talking to his fellow general Aziz and the indian intercepted the conversation, what do you think that 2 important commanders were talking over he radio and that frequency was told to the indians....ur comments are totally childish....I would also like to clarify here that I am not doubting the bravery on the indian soldiers here but i refuse to accept the story narrated above....

 

[Saint N sinnerr]

LMAO!!The guy was chit chatting with Pakistani Army Commander at the same time saving his *** from enemy fire.

Yeah , the same happened on the other side as well "LMAO"

 

[xebex]

If you think that Pakistan and India know each other;s radio frequency then I am sorry to say you dont know anything about army.....Company comanders of a army speak over the radio to discuss stategies and formation.....what do you think two indian commanders talking over the fone about how to attack pakistan army post and Pakistan commanders listening to them over the radio lol....

^^^ u do realize that Pakistani army rejected the involvment in Kargil conflit and said its was done by "Freedom fighters" right?? then whatz the point of talking about secured line of pakistani army?. The article says

Upon reaching Point 5140, he got into a cheeky radio exchange with an enemy commander

You replaced the "enemy commander" with "Pakistani army official" and screamed urself, or u know something we dont about Kargil?. have good day!

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Martyr Captain Vikram Batra

’I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it.’ These were the words of our Indian hero, Captain Vikram Batra.

9th September 1974, a day in the history of India, which shall be remembered for ages to come. Twin sons were born to Mr. G.L. Batra and Mrs. Jai Kamal Batra at
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The family had two daughters earlier. Nicknamed “Luv” by his family, young Vikram was brilliant, smart, diligent and attractive personality in school. He scooped away most of the awards in his school during the prize distribution ceremony. He was an all rounder, good in academics as well as sports and extra curricular activities.

He joined the Indian Military Academy in June 1996 at Dehradun. After passing out in December 1997, he joined the army as a Lieutenant of 13 JAK Rifles at Sopore, Jammu & Kashmir.

June 1, 1999, his unit proceeded to the Kargil Sector where by now war like situation had erupted. The first task assigned to the young officer was the recapture of Point 5140, which was at an altitude of 17000 feet. Upon reaching the point he got into a cheeky conversation with a terrorist commander on the radio. The enemy commander challenged him by saying, “Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram’s nick name given by his commanding officer), you will not go back”. Captain Vikram Batra with immense confidence replied, “We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top”. In a short while Captain Batra and his company of troops killed 8 enemy soldiers and captured a heavy anti-aircraft machine gun. Mission Point 4140 was a success!!

Soon after the success of Point 5140 he radioed his commanding officer and said victoriously “Yeh Dil Maange More”(English Translation: The heart wants more). This became the catch line for the war! With the victory of Point 5140 cleared the Srinagar-Leh highway, which led to capturing of Point 5100, 4700 Junction, Three Pimples and the ultimate prize- Tiger Hill.

After taking rest for couple of days he was sent for the task of capturing Point 4750, where he was engaged in the fiercest battle since the war had started. Vikram was challenged by an enemy officer, “Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your bodies” to which Captain Vikram replied, “Don’t you worry about us, Pray for your safety.” Point 4750 was captured in no time adding one more victory to the count of Captain Vikram Batra.

Captain Batra was on a victory rampage, his heart asking for more honor and victory. He stoutly volunteered for the next mission, which was very crucial. It was the capture of Point 4875 at an altitude of 17000 feet. He went for the mission along with his company and another led by Captain Anuj Nayyar. A number of enemy troops were killed in this mission. On 5th July 1999 Point 4875 was captured. But the enemy troops set in for a counter attack on 7th July 1999 which was well retaliated by Captain Batra. In all this action one of his junior officers (Lieutenant Naveen) has severely injured his leg. Captain Batra went for his rescue. While dragging Lieutenant Naveen back under cover he pleaded to Captain Batra to let him continue the fight inspite the injuries to which Captain Batra heroically replied “Tu baal bachedaar hai!! Hatt jaa peeche”, (English Translation: You have kids and wife to look after! Get back).

It didn’t take long for this war hero to realize that he had been hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and then in a spilt of a second he was hit by a artillery splinter in the waist region. This great martyr gave away his last breath with “Jai maata di” (English Translation: Long Live Mother Durga) on his lips. Before succumbing to his injuries he killed 5 more enemy soldiers.

For his display of bravery he was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest medal for gallantry. His father G.L Batra received the medal from the President of India on behalf of his brave son.

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt.

“Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes over night. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”

http://www.writerstoyou.com/books/r...le=Shreyash+Pai+-+Martyr+Captain+Vikram+Batra