Vivek Gupta (soldier)

During the Kargil war of 1999, Major Vivek Gupta's was part of a light machine gun commando team was asked to recapture Pakistani bunkers along the mountaintop of Tololing. This was a dangerous mission requiring uphill assent on treacherous, icy slopes towards well entrenched enemy posts. Major Vivek was martyred on June 13 after capturing two enemy posts on the wind-swept, icy slopes of the Drass sector. For his gallantry actions and bravery which lead to the capture of enemy positions and for laying down his life in service of the nation, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award of India.

The citation for the Maha Vir Chakra reads as follows:[4][5]

Gazette Notification: 17 Pres/2000,15.8.99

Operation: Op Vijay - Kargil Date of Award: 15 Aug 1999

CITATION

MAJOR VIVEK GUPTA (IC-51152)
2 RAJPUTANA RIFLES

(POSTHUMOUS)

Major Vivek Gupta was in command of the leading Charlie Company, when 2 Rajputana Rifles launched a battalion attack on Tololing Top, in Drass sector on 13 June 1999. Inspite of heavy artillery and automatic fire, the company under the inspiring leadership of Major Vivek Gupta was able to close in with the enemy. As soon as the Company emerged in the open, they came under multidirectional intense fire. Three personnel of the leading section of the Company were hit and the attack was temporarily stalled. Knowing fully well that staying any longer in the open under the murderous enemy fire would lead to more losses, Major Vivek Gupta reacted immediately and fired a rocket launcher at the enemy position. Before the shocked enemy could recover, Major Vivek Gupta charged on to the enemy position. While so charging, he was hit by two bullets, despite which, he kept moving towards the position. On reaching the position, he engaged the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat and managed to kill three enemy soldiers despite his own injuries.

Taking inspiration form the gallant deed of their officer, the rest of the company charged onto the enemy position and captured it. However, in the ensuing combat, Major Vivek Gupta received another direct from enemy bullets and finally succumbed to his injuries. Major Vivek Gupta displayed conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership in the face of the enemy, which, ultimately led to the capture of Tololing Top.