2. Early Life and Education

Date and Place of Birth
Vikram Batra was born on September 9, 1974, in Ghuggar village near Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India .

Family Background
He was the third child of Girdhari Lal Batra, a government school principal, and Kamal Kanta Batra, a school teacher. Vikram had a twin brother, Vishal, who was born fourteen minutes after him. The twins were affectionately nicknamed "Luv" (Vikram) and "Kush" (Vishal) by their mother, inspired by the twin sons of Lord Rama .

Education History
Vikram received his early education from his mother and later attended D.A.V. Public School in Palampur. He was an active student, excelling in academics and sports. He represented his school at the national level in the Youth Parliamentary Competitions and was a green belt in karate. He pursued a bachelor's degree in science from Government College, Palampur, and later enrolled in Punjab University, Chandigarh, for a master's degree in English. However, he left the university after a year to join the Indian Military Academy .

Early Interests and Influences
From a young age, Vikram exhibited leadership qualities and a deep sense of patriotism. His involvement in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during his college years further fueled his desire to serve the nation. He was selected to represent his college in the Republic Day Parade as an NCC cadet in 1994 .

3. Career

Career Beginnings
In 1996, Vikram passed the Combined Defence Services Examination and was selected by the Services Selection Board (SSB) at Allahabad. He joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun in June 1996 and was commissioned into the Indian Army as a lieutenant on December 6, 1997 .

Major Milestones

• Posting: After completing his regimental training, Vikram was posted to the 13th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (13 JAK Rif) in Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Kargil War: During the 1999 Kargil War, Vikram played a pivotal role in recapturing strategic points from enemy forces. His code name during the operations was "Sher Shah," and he became renowned for his bravery and leadership.

Significant Achievements

• Point 5140: Vikram led his troops to capture Point 5140, a strategically significant peak. His success in this mission earned him a promotion to the rank of Captain.
• Point 4875: In a subsequent operation, Vikram was tasked with recapturing Point 4875. Despite facing intense enemy fire, he led his men from the front. Tragically, he was martyred while rescuing an injured fellow officer during this mission .

Collaborations and Partnerships
Throughout his military career, Vikram was known for his camaraderie with fellow soldiers and his ability to inspire and lead his team under challenging circumstances.

4. Personal Life

Marital Status and Spouse(s)
Vikram was unmarried. However, he was in a committed relationship with Dimple Cheema, who remained devoted to his memory after his passing .

Children
He had no children.

Hobbies and Interests
Vikram had a passion for sports, particularly table tennis and karate. He also enjoyed reading and was known for his lively and charismatic personality.

Philanthropy and Activism
While there are no specific records of philanthropic activities, Vikram's dedication to serving his nation and his ultimate sacrifice are testaments to his selfless nature.

5. Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death
On July 7, 1999, during the mission to recapture Point 4875 in the Kargil sector, Vikram was martyred while rescuing a fellow officer under heavy enemy fire. His bravery and leadership during this operation were exemplary .

Funeral and Memorial Details
Vikram's mortal remains were brought back to his hometown, Palampur, where he was laid to rest with full military honors. His funeral was attended by numerous dignitaries and citizens who came to pay their respects.

Posthumous Recognitions

• Param Vir Chakra: On August 15, 1999, Vikram was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor. The award was presented to his father by the then President of India, K.R. Narayanan, on January 26, 2000 .
• Batra Top: The peak Point 4875, where Vikram was martyred, was renamed "Batra Top" in his honor .

Influence on Field or Society
Vikram's heroism has inspired countless individuals across the nation. His story has been included in educational curricula, and his life has been depicted in various media forms, including the Bollywood film "Shershaah," where actor Sidharth Malhotra portrayed him .

6. Awards and Honors

• Param Vir Chakra (1999): Posthumously awarded for his valor during the Kargil War.
• Batra Top: Naming of Point 4875 in his honor.
• Statues and Memorials: Various statues and memorials have been erected across India to commemorate his bravery.

7. Bibliography / Filmography / Discography

• Film: "Shershaah" (2021) – A Bollywood film based on Vikram Batra's life, starring Sidharth Malhotra.
• Books: Vikram's story has been featured in several books and military journals highlighting the Kargil War and acts of bravery.

8. External Links

• Gallantry Awards – Government of India: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/269

Shershaah – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10295212/