Chandigarh: Alma mater pays tribute to Kargil War hero Vikram Batra

Akashdeep Virk

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Chandigarh, July 26

Reminiscing about memories of his student, who attained the supreme sacrifice fighting for the nation, former HOD, Physical Education Department, DAV College, Ravinder Chaudhry said, “We are proud that our name gets associated in some way with Vikram Batra.” A Param Vir Chakra awardee, Capt Vikram Batra, gave up his life in the Kargil War of 1999. As part of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles’ Delta Company, the 24-year-old officer’s valour made the recapture of Point 5140 and Point 4875 possible. He was hit by a bullet during the capture of Point 4875.

Like every year, the college paid tributes to its former student today. Wreath-laying over the commemoration pillars was done by Wing Commander Sandeep Kumar Kinha and principal Rita Jain. NCC cadets from PEC, Panjab University and PGGC, Sector 11, were also part of the event.

“Vikram was the president of DAV College’s Youth Service Club. Since I was the physical education teacher, we used to often meet for badminton matches in the college,” said Ravinder Chaudhry, at present secretary, Indian Athletics Federation.

Speaking over the phone, Captain Batra’s father, GL Batra said, “He was a born leader and proved to be one till his last breath.” Recalling an incident from his son’s childhood, he said at Vikram’s school at Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, his fellow classmates had stopped attending classes after a teacher slapped a student. Popular among everyone and considered wise by his teachers, he was asked by the principal to resolve the deadlock, which he handled maturely and convinced everyone to get back to classes. He also managed to get a verbal apology from the teacher for his classmates, GL Batra added.

Twice adjudged the best cadet in NCC’s Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Directorate, Captain Batra also participated in the 1994’s Republic Day Parade. Qualified for NCC’s C certificate, he was the Senior Under Officer, highest rank an NCC cadet can attain.

“He was a true patriot. While studying at DAV, he was selected for Merchant Navy but he chose not to go. He was determined to serve the country,” the proud father said.

Principal Rita Jain said, “Captain Batra and all heroes who gave up their all for the nation are always in our hearts. We are proud that such a brave man was part of this institution. He truly is an inspiration for every student here.”