Amit Bhardwaj

Capt. AMIT BHARADWAJ 'Annu' the real son of mother India, was born on 4th March,1972.

At the birth of their only son Capt. Amit Bharadwaj's mother Smt. Sushila Sharma and father Shri O.P. Sharma's happiness knew no bounds. His Grand mother Mrs. Rampyari Sharma, and Grandfather, Mr. Jaidev Prasad Sharma, seemed to burst with happiness at the glimpse of the bright face of their grandson. They rejoiced Jolly Capt. Amit Bharadwaj's birth.

Capt. Amit Bharadwaj's ambitions right from childhood were unprecedented. Amit wanted to soar high in the sky like a bird and always dreamt of unusual excellence untouched with the Charismatic powers of the then leaders. Even at the age of 7, he had pulsating sympathy for poor people. He used to donate some part of his pocket money, at such an age, when children are quite reluctant to share their possessions. He always made his mark from the initial stages of life. His aptitude was a blend of kindness and courage. Xavierite, he was a remarkable Table-Tennis and football player. His politeness which was an added virtue, had won the hearts of his teachers and schoolmates. Not only when he was in School, but even after passing out, he did commendable jobs as a member of St. Xaviers Old Boys Association. He took his bachelors degree from Rajasthan University.

Recruited in 1997, placed in 4 Jat Regiment. Duty bound executed his first posting at Pithorgarh. In June 1998, he got his new posting at Kaksar area of Kargil. He executed his duty sincerely and devotedly till the very end. He ventured to go and search Saurav Kalia on 17th May 1999, the new officer, for whom he had quoted to his sister "Now I have a bachcha (kid) who will do all the work for me, and I will have someone who calls me Sir" being the senior Subaltern, Capt. Bharadwaj felt "Immensely Responsible" for the junior officer, and taught him the traditions and history of the Paltan. Little did he knows that he will lay down his life for that "Little Kid in the Paltan". Capt. Amit, always ready to take the lead and initiative. He led a search party of around 30 soldiers. On reaching the Bajrang post, he realized that the number of enemies were much more than they had anticipated. Taking a quick decision, he ordered his men to retrieve back and report to the base camp for help. He himself took the task of providing them cover-fire. He was fighting like a true, brave soldier, Capt. Bharadwaj saved nearly 30 of his men and killed more than 10 infiltrators, though he himself was hit twice fighting till the last breath. His body lay in deep valley of Himalayas, till it was retrieved on July 13, 1999- 56 days later.

His weapon was found in his hand when his body was recovered. He had fought till his last breath.

Capt. Bharadwaj's Parents who were in Jaipur did not lose hope till the end and refused to believe that their son had attained martyrdom."I believe he is still fighting the enemy out there." were his Father's words to the endless stream of the well wishers, who came to offer their condolences. In all these days, the phone did not stop ringing and the family spent each day waiting for news from their son, till their worst fear was confirmed.

He was fascinated by the charm of martyrdom, as revealed by his words to me on his birthday i.e. on March 4 199 two months before he attained martyrdom, while paying homage to Martyrs at India Gate, "I wish my name would also appear in this list some day". He was not aware that he will be a martyr just after 2 months and touch the glory.

The whole Jaipur was in grief on the day Amit returned Home. Thousands of School Children, Citizens and relatives, Vice President Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (then Ex-Chief Minister), Chief Minister Mr. Ashok Gehlot, His highness Maharaja Bhawani Singh, Governor of Jaipur, Mayor Shri Mohanlal Gupta, Senior Army officers and higher Government authorities payed tribute to Capt. Amit Bharadwaj.