Palampur: A bust of Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra was unveiled at Palampur military station in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday.
Captain Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the country’s highest and most prestigious award for valour, for his actions during the 1999 Kargil war.
According to PRO Defence, the bust was unveiled by Capt Batra’s parents GL Batra and Kamal Kanta Batra in the presence of Lt Gen YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding in Chief of the Northern Command, who was the Commanding Officer of 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles during the Kargil War.
The commemoration was also graced by Major General MP Singh, GOC Dah Division, Captain Batra’s school teachers namely RS Guleria, Suman Maini and Neelam Vats along with some of his childhood friends.
“As a token of remembrance, this placement of the bust of Capt Vikram Batra, at his birth place will also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for generations to come. Capt Batra’s bravery, camaraderie and devotion to his duty were extraordinary and will always find exalted place in the annals of our military history,” a release said.
“With utter disregard to his personal safety, leading from the front, Capt Batra pressed on the attack to achieve a near impossible military task in the face of heavy enemy fire, and in keeping with the highest traditions of Indian Army, made the supreme sacrifice for which he was awarded with the highest gallantry award ‘Param Vir Chakra’,” the release said.
“The sacrifice of brave hearts will never be forgotten, who went beyond the call of duty and showed exemplary courage and unflinching determination and will always be etched in the heart and mind of all Indians,” it added.
