As the cold winds sweep through the rocky terrain of Dras each year, one man returns—walking not just with memories, but with purpose. Colonel V. N. Thapar (Retd) undertakes an emotional journey annually to the very land where his son, Captain Vijayant Thapar, laid down his life during the Kargil War. This pilgrimage is not just a personal act of remembrance—it is a father’s eternal promise to honour the courage and sacrifice of his son and those who fought beside him.
Twenty-six years ago, Captain Vijayant Thapar made the supreme sacrifice for his motherland during the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. In his last letter, the braveheart urged the citizens of India to visit the mountains in Kargil where the Indian Army fought to secure their tomorrow.
Remembering the braveheart on his martyrdom day, the Indian Army shared a montage of Col (Retd) Thapar’s visit to Dras. “We always keep our promise,” the Indian Army said in the video.
“A Soldier’s Legacy, A Father’s Promise — ‘If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for your tomorrow,’” Captain Vijayant Thapar, Vir Chakra (P). Every year, Colonel V. N. Thapar (Retd) undertakes a pilgrimage to Dras, where his son, Captain Vijayant Thapar, Vir Chakra (P), made the ultimate sacrifice during the capture of Knoll in the Kargil War,” the Army stated in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
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 true character, determination, and ‘josh’ of an Indian Army soldier.
Captain Vijayant Thapar was born on December 29, 1976, in Nangal, 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 Indian Army’s main battle tank and was affectionately 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 Dras 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 had been killed by terrorists—received a special mention. Captain Thapar met her during his posting in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where he was involved in several counter-insurgency operations. He used to buy her candies, and in his final letter, he asked his parents to give ₹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 your 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 donated.
Contribute some money to an orphanage and keep giving ₹50 to Rukhsana every month. Also, meet Yogi Baba.
Best of luck to Bindia. Never forget the sacrifice of these 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
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