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.
