Vijayant Thapar was born on December 26, 1976, in Naya Nangal, Punjab. He was born in a proud military family. Vijayant’s father was Colonel V.N. Thapar, who proudly served in the Indian Army. Vijayant’s mother was Mrs. Tripta Thapar, who instilled moral values and patriotism in her child. Vijayant was raised in a disciplined atmosphere and was inspired by his father’s uniform and patriotic spirit. Vijayant used to wear his father’s peak cap during his younger days and pretend to lead the army. Vijayant had been determined to join the army since his younger days.
Vijayant worked hard to secure admission to the prestigious Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. Vijayant’s hard work and excellence during his training secured him a commission in the Army Service Corps (ASC), the logistics wing of the Indian Army, in 1998.
Early Military Service
After commissioning, Captain Vijayant Thapar (Service No. IC-58278M) was attached to the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (2 Raj Rif), an infantry regiment, for his first assignment in Gwalior. Soon after, the battalion was deployed for counterinsurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
He was known among his comrades for his humility, compassion, and discipline. Outside his duties, he enjoyed physical training, sports, and fitness. He was a spiritual and principled man who believed in leading a simple and upright life. During 1999, he survived two intense encounters with militants, once recounting to his mother how he escaped unhurt despite heavy gunfire directed at him.
Operation Vijay and the Battle of Tololing
In June 1999, during the Kargil War (Operation Vijay), his battalion was moved to the Drass sector to reclaim strategic heights occupied by Pakistani forces. On the 11th of June, 1999, the 2nd Rajputana Rifles was given the task of capturing Tololing, an important objective in the current war.
On the 12th of June, Captain Thapar took charge of the front lines in a daring attack on the “Barbad Bunker,” which was strongly defended by the enemy. His leadership played a significant part in accomplishing the mission, and subsequently, the taking of Tololing on June 13, 1999, turned the tide in favor of the Indian forces and lifted their spirits greatly.
The battle of Knoll and the ultimate sacrifice were the next major actions involving 2 Raj Rif. They were ordered to secure “Three Pimples,” “Knoll,” and “Lone Hill” on June 28th, 1999. As Captain Thapar led his men along a narrow and exposed ridge while under intense artillery and small arms fire, the full moon made concealment nearly impossible.
Although the company suffered some casualties, including close comrades and its commanding officer, he continued his assault until accomplishing his appointed task. He had recognized that the only way to advance was to silence the enemy’s machine guns, so he chose to personally advance with Naik Tilak Singh. He charged directly at the enemy position in an act of valor that can only be described as extraordinary, but was ultimately fatally wounded by an enemy bullet. Captain Thapar was martyred on the 28th of June 1999, at the tender age of 22.
Inspired by the bravery shown by Captain Thapar, the soldiers rallied under him and took over Knoll on the 29th of June 1999. For his exceptional bravery, leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Captain Vijayant Thapar was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.
Legacy
Captain Vijayant Thapar is a symbol of youthful bravery and dedication. He is survived by his parents and brother, Shri Vijender Thapar. His life, though brief, exemplified the finest traditions of the Indian Army — service before self and leadership from the front.
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