He gave the best to his son with the desire to see him make it big in life. The son grew as per his expectations. He chose the noble profession of soldiering and with his exemplary performance on the battlefront, he proved that he is not just his father’s son but the true son of his motherland.

And the father is proud of his son giving his life for the country.

Three such fathers pen down the memories of their brave sons who were honoured with Param Vir Chakra posthumously for their supreme sacrifice during the Kargil conflict.

(father of Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey)

"I am the father of a great son. I know, I can never explain him for he was beyond my understanding and imagination. But I would like to mention some facts the country must know about him.

"We belong to a small village Rudha in Sitapur district, UP. I was not well-off when Manoj was born in the same village on June 25, 1975, as my eldest son. I remember, he was very lovable and affectionate to his grand parents as well as to other family members. He was unique in every manner. At school, his subject or syllabus could never rule him, he always ruled over them. In spite of being seriously ill he got unexpected marks in his 10th examination and was appreciated by everyone.

Manoj always understood my economic condition and whenever any crisis knocked my doorstep, I found him beside me. Observing the family’s condition, he started helping me in my business. He was adjudged the best cadet in NCC and was awarded by the Governor of UP. I had to spend no money on his education as he took care of himself through his scholarships.

"After Intermediate, Manoj was selected for NDA. I think this was the happiest day in his life as he had always desired to go to the Army. I cannot forget his answer to a question at SSB that he wanted to join the Force to be awarded Param Vir Chakra. This answer subsequently shocked everyone related to him as he achieved what he had said.In his own words : "One should join the Infantry in Army and in Infantry one must prefer the Gorkha Regiment". I am happy that he got both his desires fulfilled.

On commissioning, he was posted in Kashmir Valley at first. He was then posted to Siachen. On the glacier, he came across varied experiences. After coming back from the glacier, he shared all his experiences with us. He explained about the glacier’s problems and Army’s efforts for survival there. In his own words : "On glacier, people fight the climate more than they fight the enemy".

"His holidays were the happiest days in our family. I know those days can not come back. Those days are over with the Kargil war. But in my memory those days are still fresh. In Kargil, my dearest son made his family and the nation proud. It was Khalubar where my son displayed extraordinary courage and great leadership. In spite of knowing very well that he was going to face death, he motivated his troops through his patriotic words. He did not care for his life for he thought the nation is above everything else. I respect his feelings. Only with hand-grenades and a khukri he scared his enemy and left none to flee. And for this great deed of courage, he had to sacrifice his life. His martyrdom will continue to be an inspiration for thousands who want to follow him.

"I am proud of you, my son! You are with me every moment in my memory. You are still guiding me. Whenever I am faced with any problem I go in front of his photo, see his face and the solution is always there."

(father of Capt Vikram Batra)

"My son! You have made me known in every nook and corner of great India as father of Capt Vikram Batra. I feel proud to have a son, who has honoured the military dictum : "your country comes first; then the men you command and the last yourself.’’

"I did have some expectations as an ordinary father, but you have surpassed them all by giving me a surprise for which I was never ready. Tears do well up my eyes every time I think of you.

"In Kargil, you were the Shershah for the Pakistani soldiers. You fought like a lion, captured peaks 5140 and 4875, and got martyrdom.

"I heard that you told your friends before leaving for Kargil that you would either hoist the flag of victory or you would come back wrapped in the Tricolour. Greatness lies in you doing both and ensuring a complete victory. Well done, my son! You have lived up to the greatest expectations of your motherland as well as our family. I salute you!"

(father of Maj Vivek Gupta)

‘‘Born on June 2, 1970, Vivek was the youngest of my three children. He was dear to all and the centre of attraction in the family. Unfortunately, he lost his mother when he was just five years-old. Right since his school-days, Vivek was fond of outdoor life. He always wanted to go out on picnics, hiking camping. He grew up to be a simple, carefree and a daring young man. Vivek got through NDA in his very first attempt, joined the 80th Course at NDA in July 1988, came to IMA Dehra Dun in July 1991 and was commissioned in the 2nd Rajputana Rifles on June 13, 1992.

"Vivek never went for softer options. Before passing out of the IMA, I asked him whether he would like to join the Ordnance Corps from which I had retired. Naturally all parents want their children to be in comparatively safer positions. Vivek replied, "Papa, I am joining the Army to fight and not to save my skin."

"Vivek’s paltan moved to Kupwara sector in Jammu and Kashmir in 1994. Vivek, with hardly two years of service, was found in the lead, full of josh and high spirits. He was appointed the Adjutant. There he killed a Pakistani terrorist at point blank range in a hand-to-hand fight. For this act of dare-devilry, Vivek was awarded the COAS Commendation on August 15, 1996. After two years of stay in J & K, his paltan returned to peace station. Vivek once again was picked up, for his outstanding performance, to serve as an instructor at the Weapons Wing in the Infantry School, Mhow. He earned laurels during his short stay there.

"In February 1999, Vivek once again moved to J & K with his paltan for a second tenure within two years, which normally does not happen. Desired it that way. On reaching J & K, they were once again deployed in Kupwara sector. Soon, Kargil intrusion came to light and in June 1999 they were asked to move to the Dras sector to take part in operation Vijay.

"Being the toughest and sturdiest of company comman-ders, Vivek was picked up to attack Tololing on the night of 12/13 June as earlier attempts to capture Tololing had failed. By 8 pm on June 12, 2 Raj Rif assault team was ready behind big boulders just 300 metre short of their target. Pointing towards the peaks, Vivek said: I will capture Tololing or go up. If I come back, shoot me. In a hand-to-hand fight with intruders, Vivek and six of his men were killed but before that Tololing was snatched out of enemy hands, paving the way for victory as the enemy’s resistance on other nearby ridges faded.

"Vivek perished on the battlefront when a fusillade of bullets from Pakistanis tore open his torso but not before his company man had slain seven Pakistanis. Death came swiftly, said a colleague who saw Vivek falling as he was hit by a burst from the enemy bunkers in the hills.