Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, who held the post of Rifleman during the 1999 India-Pakistan War at Kargil, is a well-decorated official of the Indian Army. He is a receipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for the bravery he put on display during Operation Vijay of the Kargil War as part of the 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. On the occassion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, it is pertinent to have a look at the life of this military hero.

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The 46-year-old soldier, who is currently working with the National Defence Academy, was the leader of a team that was ordered to capture Area Flat Top in Kashmir against the heavy machine gun fire from the enemies who were hidden in a bunker.

Kumar took matters into his own hands and charged towards the enemy, and was resultantly fired upon. However, this did not deter Kumar at all. He managed to execute three Pakistani soldiers and went on to kill others in the bunker. Inspired by his courage, soldiers under his charge quickly marched forward and were successful in capturing Area Flat Top.

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The Indian Army’s official website’s Param Vir Chakra citation regarding Kumar’s heroism states, “Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed most conspicuous gallantry, cool courage and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy.”

India did lose some of its bravest soldiers in Kargil in 1999, but lessons learnt from the war and stories of bravery of heroes like Kumar will surely continue to inspire the youth to continue fighting for the country. Kargil Vijay Diwas is one such occasion, which is being widely celebrated across the country, with both leaders and the general masses paying their respects to the martyrs.