21 May 1999: Remembering Lt Kanad Bhattacharya: A Braveheart of Kargil
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25 year old Lt Kanad Bhattacharya made the supreme sacrifice for the nation on 21 May 1999 during the Kargil War. His courage and dedication continue to inspire every Indian even today.
21 May 1999:
On this day in 1999, Lt Kanad Bhattacharya was given the difficult task of establishing a foothold on a northeastern ridge near Tiger Hill. The area was extremely dangerous, covered in deep snow, and the route was nearly inaccessible.
While climbing the ridge, Sepoy Major Singh, who was part of the patrol team, noticed the movement of heavily armed intruders coming down toward them. Soon, the intruders opened heavy automatic and sniper fire on the Indian patrol.
Without losing courage, Lt Kanad Bhattacharya quickly took charge of the situation. Showing exceptional leadership and professional skill, he divided his patrol into two groups and began engaging the intruders from different positions. A fierce gun battle followed between Lt Kanad’s team and the enemy forces.
Even after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, Lt Kanad and his soldiers continued fighting bravely. They kept returning fire and stood their ground against the enemy in extremely difficult conditions.
During the intense firefight, Lt Kanad Bhattacharya attained martyrdom while defending the nation. Since the patrol could not return, they were declared missing in action on 21 May 1999.
After Indian forces successfully captured Tiger Hill during the Kargil War, Lt Kanad Bhattacharya’s body was finally recovered on 15 July 1999 from the snow-covered battlefield where he had fought with unmatched bravery.
For his extraordinary courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice in service of the nation, Lt Kanad Bhattacharya was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal. His sacrifice for the motherland will always be remembered with pride and gratitude.