Kargil war hero Captain Vijayant Thapar's last letter to parents: ‘By the time you get this...’ | Read full text

The 22-year-old Captain Vijayant Thapar lost his life in the Kargil war on June 12, 1999, while leading his platoon to capture an enemy bunker.

Published on: Jul 26, 2024, 12:47:12 IST

By HT News Desk

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As the country celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas, we look back at one of our bravehearts in the 1999 war against Pakistan who received a Vir Chakra (posthumous) for his service - the late Captain Vijayant Thapar.

A photo of Captain Vijayant Thapar, a Kargil war martyr and his father retired Colonel VN Thapar (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)

Also Read: PM Narendra Modi to visit Kargil War Memorial today

In his last letter to his parents, Vijayant Thapar said, “I have no regrets, in fact even I become a human again, I’ll join the Army and fight for my Nation.”

Also Read: India marks landmark Kargil victory as Pakistan army looks on

Coming from three generations of army officers in his family, Vijayant Thapar was the son of retired Colonel VN Thapar. Born on December 29, 1976, in Nangal Punjab, he was named after an army tank called Vijayant.

Also Read: Delhi's 12-year-old Arav Bhardwaj to cycle from Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh to honour martyrs on 25th anniversary

Captain Vijayant Thapar graduated from the Indian Military Academy in December 1998 and joined the 12 Rajputana Rifles. On May 25, 1999, his unit received orders to move to Drass and combat Pakistani Army troops from Tololing, Tiger Hill and surrounding areas.

On June 28,1999, he was given the task of leading his platoon to capture Three Pimples, Knoll and Lone hill area. Though they conquered Knoll, Vijayant Thapar lost his life to a burst of firing.

Here's the last letter of Captain Vijayant Thapar

Dearest Papa, Mama and Granny,

By the time you get this letter I’ll be observing you all from the sky enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I have no regrets, in fact even I become a human again, I’ll join the Army and fight for my Nation. If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for you tomorrow.

As far as the unit is concerned the new chaps should be told about this sacrifice. I hope my photo will be kept in the ‘A’ Coy Mandir. Whatever organ can be taken should be done. Contribute some money to orphanage and keep on giving ₹50/ to Ruksana per month and meet Yogi Baba.

Best of luck to Bindia, never forget this sacrifice of men. Papa you should feel proud, Mama so should you meet **** (I loved her).

Mamaji forgive me for everything wrong I did. Ok then its time for me to join my clan of dirty dozen, my assault party has 12 chaps.

Best of Luck to you all,

Live life King Size,

Yours Robin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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