AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 35 of 153 combat and killed them. He was seriously injured during this combat. but insisted on regrouping his men to continue with the given task at hand. Inspired by the extraordinary 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 8 Pakistani soldiers and recovering a heavy machine gun. 43. The capture of Point 5140 set in motion a string of successes like Point 5100, Point 4700, Junction Peak and Three Pimples. Captain Batra led his men to even more glorious victories with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875. In recognition of his gallant act, Point 4875 has now been renamed as Captain Vikram Batra Top He was tragically killed, when he tried to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counterattack against Point 4875 in the early morning hours of 07 July 1999. His last words were, “ Jai Mata Di. ” For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and junior leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. G.L. Batra, received the award from the President of India, on behalf of his brave son. Jai Hind!! Jai Jawan!! 44. Soon after capturing Point 5140, he radioed his commanding officer and said jubilantly, “Yeh Dil Mange More!” On the successful capture of the vital peak he was congratulated and graced by the Chief of Army Staff, General Ved Prakash Malik on telephone. After taking rest for 4 - 5 days he proceeded towards Point 4750 where he was challenged again by the enemy who said, “Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your dead bodies,” to which Captain Batra curtly replied, “Don’t worry about us, Pray for your safety.” He captured Point 4750 and hoisted the national flag. He also played a commendable role in the capture of Tiger Hill. He had dedicated himself and was determined for total victory. (Sources: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/india/medals/PVC/vbhatra html: http://www bharat-rakshak.com/HEROISM/Batra.html; http://www.bharat- rakshak.com/LANDFORCES/Army/Articles/Article20.html ) A couple invited some people to dinner. At the table, the mother turned to her six- year-old daughter and asked her to say the blessing. “I don’t know what to say,” she replied.