THE LIFE OF A KARGIL WAR HERO

By

Colonel VN Thapar

(Colonel VN Thapar is my course mate from National Defence Academy, King Squadron. I consider it a compliment to include a write up by him on a book written by him baring the facts that led to the martyrdom of his very dear son in the Kargil battle. From my comprehension of his proficiency and endowments, I can without any hesitancy pronounce that the book will touch your hearts, savor your thoughts leaving behind an indelible imprint for posterity. For sure those who know him and those who value their sacred uniforms will read it. For others the book will give an insight into the making of a young soldier who fought valiantly and gave his life for our tomorrow.  A must read. Baqir Shameem)

Captain Vijyant Thapar was twenty-two when he was martyred in the Kargil War, having fought bravely in the crucial battles of Tololing and Knoll. His inspiring story provides a rare glimpse into the heart of a brave soldier. His legacy stays alive through these fond memories and his service to the country.

Commenting on the book, Roshini Dadlani, The Editor of the book said “When I read about Vijyant’s story, I knew it had to be told. The Kargil War took so many of our brave soldiers, and it’s important to remember them. And that’s what this book does. Though Vijyant’s gone, he lives on through his bravery and the wonderful memories his friends and family have of him.”

A fourth-generation Army officer, Vijyant dreamt of serving his country even as a young boy. In this first-ever biography, we learn about his journey to join the Indian Military Academy and the experiences that shaped him into a fine officer. Told by his father and Neha Dwivedi, a martyr’s daughter herself, the anecdotes from his family and close friends come alive, and we have a chance to know the exceptional young man that Vijyant was.

Speaking about Vijyant and his story, Vijyant’s father and the author of the book, Colonel Thapar said “A nation requires heroes to sustain itself. War in Kargil produced one such hero Captain Vijyant Thapar. Coming generations have a right to such a rich legacy which they can lean on. He lived and died for the conviction that India is great, an ‘Idea’ worth dying for. His life and thoughts must be preserved and passed on to the next generation. This book written by a soldier father on a soldier son, is but a pause for new heroes will emerge from the ashes of Vijyant.”

Neha Dwivedi, the co-author of the book speaking about the said “Learning about the heroic act of an individual is fascinating, however learning about his/her journey can be truly inspirational. At a time, when the need of the hour for us as a generation is to be able to look beyond ‘self’ the story of a young 22 year old hero, Capt.ain Vijyant Thapar, who didn’t just grow up with the ingrained ethos of service before self, but went on to put his countrymen, his unit and lastly his friends before his own life, is exactly what we need to read. This is for every young individual, that goes to bed with the same dream every night- that of making a difference!”

“By the time you get this letter I’ll be observing you all from the sky. I have no regrets, in fact even if I become a human again, I’ll join the Army and fight for my Nation.”

This was the last letter Captain Vijyant Thapar wrote to his family. He was twenty-two when he was martyred in the Kargil War, having fought bravely in the crucial battles of Tololing and Knoll. A fourth-generation Army officer, Vijyant dreamt of serving his country even as a young boy. In this first-ever biography, we learn about his journey to join the Indian Military Academy and the experiences that shaped him into a fine officer. Told by his father and Neha Dwivedi, a martyr’s daughter herself, the anecdotes from his family and close friends come alive, and we have a chance to know the exceptional young man that Vijyant was. His inspiring story provides a rare glimpse into the heart of a brave soldier. His legacy stays alive through these fond memories and his service to the country.

Author Bios:

Col V N Thapar is the father of Capt. Vijyant Thapar, VrC, who was a fourth-generation army officer. At the early age of 15, he was selected for the National Defence Academy and commissioned on 12 Dec 1962 in the Maratha Light Infantry. He commanded a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.  He was part of the 1965 War and Bangladesh War, and has operated in counter-insurgency operations. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Defense Services, Staff College, Wellington. He has written for media publications and is a motivational speaker at various forums, universities, colleges and schools.  Neha Dwivedi, a Kargil war martyr’s daughter and an Armoured Corps Officer’s wife, is a doctor by profession. She is an alumnus of DPS RK Puram and Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi. Writing is what she took solace in and found her strength from post her father’s martyrdom. She now lives in Mumbai, where she works as a childbirth educator and an Infant and young child feeding specialist. She deeply believes in the healing and inspirational power of stories.