Palampur, July 25, 2024 – Covered under a chequered table cloth in an unassuming parking lot stands a Yamaha RX100. Once the rage in the ’80s and early ’90s, the bike is seldom taken out for a ride, but its owners hold it dear. Just looking at it takes GL Batra, father of Kargil martyr and Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardee Captain Vikram Batra, down memory lane to simpler times.
A Family’s Treasure: Girdhari Lal Batra and his late wife Kamal Kanta Batra raised their children in the small hill town of Palampur. His elder son Vikram, remembered as a jolly yet disciplined youngster, moved to Chandigarh to pursue a science degree. It was here, at DAV College, Sector 10, that Vikram’s storied journey began with his enrollment in the National Cadets Corps (NCC).
Tales from the Past: “Vikram had a zeal for any task he picked up,” GL Batra recalls. Whether it was karate, table tennis, debates in school, or his role as an NCC cadet, Vikram gave it his all. His dedication earned him the title of the best NCC cadet in North India and a spot in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
Vikram’s path changed one night at the college hostel, where after much contemplation with his friends, he decided to join the army instead of the Merchant Navy. This decision led to his heroic leadership of the 13th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles’ Delta Company during the Kargil War.
A Leader and a Hero: Captain Vikram Batra led his troops to capture Point 5140, pushing back Pakistani forces. His bravery shone through in his famous “Yeh dil maange more” chant and his willingness to volunteer for another mission to capture Point 4875. Tragically, he was struck by an enemy sniper during an evacuation operation for an injured comrade.
Memories and Mementos: Over the years, the Batra family has found ways to keep Vikram’s memory alive. His brother Vikas occasionally takes the old RX100 for a spin, while GL Batra revisits letters Vikram wrote from the warfront. “He last wrote to us on July 5, right before his mission, asking us to pray for his success,” his father recalls.
Despite the family’s loss, they hold on to the trinkets that remind them of Vikram. The bike, a blazer sewn from fabric Vikram brought, and shawls for his mother are cherished items. “Even though no one uses the bike any longer, I couldn’t bring myself to sell it. It reminds us of Vikram,” GL Batra says, looking at a sepia-toned picture of his son in uniform.
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