The summer of 1999 witnessed the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War. Captain Vijayant Thapar was one of the youngest officers who sacrificed his life for the motherland. The 22-year-old Indian Army officer achieved martyrdom on June 12, 1999, while leading his platoon to flush out Pakistani infiltrators from Indian posts.
As the country will celebrate the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, let’s know more about the 22-year-old braveheart – Shaheed Captain Vijayant Thapar.
In his last letter to his parents, Capt Thapar wrote, “I have no regrets, in fact, even if I become a human again, I’ll join the Army and serve my nation.” This showed the real character, determination, and ‘josh’ of the Indian Army soldier.
Also Read: Kargil War Stories: Meet Captain (Retd.) Yashika Tyagi – A Soldier, A Mother And A Trailblazer, Who Served On The Frontlines While Pregnant
Captain Vijayant Thapar was born on December 29, 1976, at Nangal in Punjab. He was a third-generation Army officer. His father, V.N. Thapar, retired as a colonel from the Indian Army. He was named Vijayant after the name of the main battle tank of the Army. He was nicknamed “Robin.” Captain Thapar passed out of the Indian Military Academy in December 1998 and was commissioned into the 12 Rajputana Rifles.
On May 25, 1999, Capt Thapar’s unit received orders to move to Drass to fight Pakistani Army troops in Tololing, Tiger Hill, and surrounding areas. He was killed in action on June 28, 1999, while securing Knoll.
Last Letter of Capt Vijayant Thapar to His Parents:
Notably, in his last letter, a six-year-old girl named Rukhsana, whose father was killed by terrorists, had a special mention. Captain Thapar was involved in many encounters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district. During his posting in Kupwara, he met the girl. He used to buy her candies. In his last letter, he asked his parents to give Rs 50 to Rukhsana every month.
Dearest Papa, Mama and Granny,
By the time you get this letter, I’ll be observing you all from the sky, enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I have no regrets, in fact, even if I become a human again, I’ll join the Army and fight for my Nation. If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for you tomorrow.
As far as the unit is concerned, the new chaps should be told about this sacrifice. I hope my photo will be kept in the ‘A’ Coy Mandir. Whatever organ can be taken should be done. Contribute some money to an orphanage and keep on giving Rs 50 to Rukhsana per month and meet Yogi Baba.
Best of luck to Bindia, never forget this sacrifice of men. Papa, you should feel proud. Mama, so should you. Meet **** (I loved her).
Mamaji, forgive me for everything wrong I did.
OK then, it’s time for me to join my clan of Dirty Dozen. My assault party has 12 chaps.
Best of luck to you all,
Live life King Size,
Yours, Robin
Capt Thapar’s Final Mission to Reclaim Knoll:
On June 28, 1999, the 22-year-old Army officer was given the task to capture Three Pimples, Knoll, and Lone Hill area. He led his platoon to achieve the mission. His platoon managed to secure a foothold of Knoll despite heavy firing from the enemy.
The news of his company commander, Major P. Acharya, being killed in the enemy fire angered Capt Thapar. He charged towards the enemy bunkers with full force and got engaged with the Pakistani troops from a distance of just 15 metres. Capt Thapar was hit by a burst of enemy fire and sacrificed his life in the line of duty. His sacrifice motivated his men as they secured Knoll. For his bravery, Capt Thapar was awarded the Vir Chakra (posthumously).
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