The Kargil war of 1999 remains etched in history as a testament to India's valour and sacrifice. On July 26, 1999, India marked its victory in this war, hoisting the tricolor proudly atop the peaks of Kargil with the bravery and resilience of its soldiers. Among the numerous heroes of the Kargil war stands Yogendra Singh Yadav, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor. Yadav's valorous act of leading the assault on Tiger Hill, despite sustaining 15 bullets, earned him the title of the "Hero of Tiger Hill."
Yadav's journey seems to be like a script straight out of a Bollywood blockbuster. At the tender age of 19, after completing his army training, Yadav was thrust into the heart of the Kargil conflict. As part of the 18 Grenadiers, he was tasked with capturing Tiger Hill, a strategic point entrenched by Pakistani forces. In a gripping account shared with ABP News, Yadav recounted the harrowing night of 3-4 July. Under the cover of darkness, Yadav and his comrades ascended towards Tiger Hill, encountering fierce resistance from the enemy. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Yadav and his fellow soldiers pressed forward with unwavering resolve. As the battle raged on, Yadav witnessed the sacrifice of his comrades, each falling in the line of duty. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including being shot three times and suffering a broken arm and leg, Yadav refused to yield. His act of hurling a grenade at the enemy, despite his critical condition, confused the Pakistani soldiers, buying precious time for reinforcements from below. Yadav's resilience and strategic thinking turned the tide of the battle. His feigned attack, coupled with his accurate reporting of enemy positions to his comrades, led to a decisive counterattack. The Indian contingent, fueled by Yadav's bravery, overwhelmed the enemy, culminating in the capture of Tiger Hill and the unfurling of the tricolor.
Yadav's courage and sacrifice epitomize the ethos of India's armed forces, where valor and duty transcend personal safety to shine bright as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unyielding patriotism.
