Who is Captain Vijayant Thapar? Wiki, Biography, Wife, Kids, Parents, Age, Letter & More

Captain Vijayant Thapar (born 26 December 1976 – died 29 June 1999, Aged: 23 years old) was a young and brave officer of the Indian Army who sacrificed his life for the nation during the Kargil War in 1999. He belonged to the 2 Rajputana Rifles, an infantry regiment with a glorious history and tradition.

He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest gallantry award, for his courage and leadership in the battle of Tololing, one of the most crucial and difficult operations of the war. He is remembered as a hero and an inspiration by his family, friends, comrades, and countrymen.

Early Life and Education

Captain Vijayant was born on December 26, 1976, in Nangal, Punjab, to Colonel Virender Thapar and Tripta Thapar. He was the youngest of three siblings, with an elder brother and sister. He came from a military family, as his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had all served in the Indian Army. He had a keen interest in joining the armed forces since his childhood, and would often play with toy guns and wear his father’s uniform. He was also fond of sports, music, and adventure activities.

He completed his schooling from various schools across the country, as his father was frequently transferred. He studied at Tara Hall, St. Mary’s Academy, St. Joseph’s Academy, Army Public School, and DAV College. He graduated from Khalsa College, Delhi, with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. He then cleared the Combined Defence Services Examination and joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in 1997. He excelled in his training and was commissioned into the Army Service Corps, the logistic arm of the Indian Army, in 1998.

Military Career and Kargil War

Vijayant Thapar was posted to serve with the 2 Rajputana Rifles, an infantry battalion, as his first assignment. He joined the unit at Gwalior in 1998 and soon moved to Kashmir to undertake anti-insurgency operations. He participated in two fierce encounters with militants, in which he displayed his bravery and professionalism. He also developed a close bond with his men and earned their respect and admiration.

In 1999, his unit was tasked to move to Drass in the Kargil sector, where Pakistani intruders had occupied several strategic heights along the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Kashmir. The intruders posed a serious threat to Indian security and sovereignty and had to be evicted by force. The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a massive military campaign to reclaim the lost territory. Captain Thapar and his men were involved in some of the most intense and challenging battles of the war.

On June 11, 1999, he led his platoon to capture a Pakistani position called Barbad Bunker, which was crucial for the onward battle for Tololing, a dominant feature overlooking the National Highway 1D, the lifeline to Siachen Glacier. He faced heavy enemy fire and artillery shelling but managed to reach the bunker and kill two Pakistani soldiers in close combat. He also sustained a bullet injury in his shoulder but refused to be evacuated and continued to fight. His action paved the way for the capture of Tololing on June 13, 1999, which was the first major victory for the Indian Army in the war.

On June 28, 1999, he was part of the attack on the Knoll, another important peak in the vicinity of Tololing. He again led his platoon with courage and determination, despite facing accurate and intense enemy fire. He advanced through a ravine and reached close to the enemy position, but was fatally wounded by a burst of fire.

He fell on the ground but continued to motivate his men to carry on the assault. He breathed his last with the words “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai”, the war cry of his regiment. His men, inspired by his valor and leadership, later charged at the enemy and captured the Knoll. The victory at the Knoll on June 29, 1999, was a decisive blow to the enemy and paved the way for the liberation of Tiger Hill and other heights.

Awards and Legacy

Captain Vijayant Thapar was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallantry, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice. His citation reads:

“Captain Thapar was the platoon commander of the leading platoon of 2 Rajputana Rifles tasked to capture Tololing Top on 12 June 1999. The approach to the objective was a narrow, treacherous, and well-fortified ridge. Captain Thapar led his platoon along a sharp and narrow ridge and was fired upon by the enemy from a bunker located on the cliff face. He crawled up to the bunker and lobbed grenades into it, killing two enemy soldiers. He sustained a bullet injury in his shoulder but refused to be evacuated. He continued to lead his platoon to the final objective, which was a series of three interconnected bunkers. He again charged at the first bunker and killed one more enemy soldier.

He was instrumental in capturing Tololing Top, which was a major breakthrough in the operations. On 28 June 1999, he was part of the attack on the Knoll, a feature near Tololing Top. He led his platoon through a ravine where he was fired upon by the enemy. He was hit by a burst of fire and fell down. He, however, continued to encourage his men to press on with the attack. He succumbed to his injuries with the words “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai” on his lips. Captain Vijayant Thapar displayed exceptional courage, leadership, and devotion to duty of a very high order and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.”

Captain Thapar is also remembered for his poignant and inspiring letters that he wrote to his family and friends during the war. He expressed his love, pride, and patriotism in his words, and also revealed his human side and emotions. He wrote about his dreams, hopes, and fears, and also about his concern for the people of Kashmir. He also requested his parents to take care of a Kashmiri girl named Ruksana, whom he had befriended and helped during his tenure in the valley. His letters have been published in a book titled “Vijyant at Kargil: The Life of a Kargil Hero”, written by his father and mother.

Vijayant Thapar is also honored by various memorials and institutions that have been named after him. His statue and bust have been installed at the War Memorial in Drass and at the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre in Delhi, respectively. His name and deeds have been inscribed on the walls of the Indian Military Academy and the National War Memorial. His alma mater, Khalsa College, has named a library and a hall after him. A school in Noida, where his family resides, has also been named Captain Vijayant Vidyalaya. His family and friends have also established a trust in his name, which works for the welfare of the martyrs’ families and the needy people.

Captain Vijayant Thapar Wiki/Bio

Trivia

• Vijayant was nicknamed Robin by his family and friends.
• He was fond of swimming, bodybuilding, music, and adventure activities.
• Captain was a devout Hindu and a follower of Lord Rama.
• He had a keen interest in history and geography.
• Vijayant was compassionate and caring towards the people of Kashmir, especially the children.
• He wrote letters to his family and friends during the war, which reflected his love, pride, and patriotism.

• Captain befriended and helped a Kashmiri girl named Ruksana, whom he requested his parents to take care of after his death.
• Captain died with the words “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai” on his lips, the war cry of his regiment.
• He is honored by various memorials and institutions that have been named after him.
• Thapar is regarded as a hero and an inspiration by his family, friends, comrades, and countrymen.

Captain Vijayant Thapar was a brave and dedicated soldier who laid down his life for the honor and integrity of his country. He was a role model and an inspiration for the youth and the future generations of India. He epitomized the spirit and ethos of the Indian Army and the Rajputana Rifles. He will always be remembered as a hero and a legend of the Kargil War.

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