Of courage, Of values....

Even this is a pretty older article written in 2004 fall. Still I feel it deserves a publication, so posting it in here. These two guys Late Captain Vikram Batra and Late Captain Manoj Pande have been in top order of my favorite men. Its dedicated to the valor and gallantry shown by them.

It was May 1999, when a sleeping India rose to a threat, Kargil war. It has been a land mark in Indian history, not because of victory but for the gallantry of the youth. How people sacrificed their life with out a second thought. Its not because they laid their lives for the nation, its because they had respect for themselves, they had purpose of their life, they had a code of living by honor. Here goes the story of two greatest heroes and leaders Vikram Batra and Manoj Pande.

Vikram Batra:
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"If death strikes me before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death." - Capt. Vikram batra.

What do you call a man who opted out of a smooth, wealthy career of merchant navy and joins the Army, Indian Military Academy? This man, Vikram Batra did so. He commissioned as a Lieutenant and joined army. Soon he was called for the service in the highest order of the Army tradition. To lead his men into the battle, a know combat where chances of winning were slim. But slim chances are not firm enough to alter determination. He shored high on success showing never before leadership and courage. The lead his men not by words but by example and values. He captured one peak after another not shacked by the injuries or the turbulent stream of bullets. Glory was waiting for him, his lavish future was waiting for him. But something was more important for the man then the glory offered by people, he had a big life not in age but in quality. One second of quality life is greater than a million years of age. In a daredevil act to rescue a fellow officer who was already fatally injured, despite his fellow men's deterring him, he clinched though the rocks, the heights towards the enemy bunker, and then he took his leap into the air to reach the wounded
officer. He was hit when in mid air, he was hit in the chest. But a bullet running at supersonic, may tear his body not his faith, courage and determinations. He pulled the officer back and before finally breathing his last, he destroyed the enemy bunker with a grenade.Inspired by this act the platoon quickly invaded other bunkers and conquered them all. This is called valor, this is called "Guts". And this is called "self respect", to fulfill your own decision, to live by own code. He was awarded PVC for his valor and became the face of Kargil war. The legend. A story of a legend.
I owe a lot to this man. A real man.
A salute to you.

Manoj Pande:
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"Some goals are so worth, its glorious even to fail" - Lt. manoj Pande
"To be safe in war you must be with the bravest" This is why people choose Gorkha regiment. And the people who have got this name for the regiment are the likes of Lt. Manoj Pande. A young officer who created history by showing extraordinary leadership and courage. The commitment was unmatched, the courage was unmatched. H elead the 1/11 GR to the Tololing peak. He conquered many peaks which other regiments have already failed. Fighting on a slanted slope of a mountain at a height of 17000Ft. when you are at the receiving end is next to impossible. But this men lead his company to following the spirit of self motivation to the pinnacle of victory where the same would have been only a theoretical concept. But he excelled, he cleared one bunker after another. He cleared one peak after another. He paved the way of victory for operation Vijay. He single handedly killed 4 people in hand to hand combat and cleared a bunker. Moving on to another he never cared for his life not even bothered how far he has moved away from his platoon, not fearing the unknown number of enemy, he moved alone way ahead of his men. Unfortunately while killing and clearing single handedly he came across a LMG, and got hit at head. But this daredevil act ignited this men. The men who loved their leader the people got inspired with his extraordinary showcase of courage. The men chased the enemy with Khukri and killed each of them. This man is Lt. manoj Pande. A man who redefined courage, a man who rewrote the way wars were ever fought. Hats off to him. You remain one of my heroes. Salute to you.
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This is the highest example of a life of self respect, of ego and of courage. Courage is an attribute of self respect. Man is a man when his self is a "self".

Truly
Abinash