A Father’s Tribute to a Kargil Hero: Col VN Thapar on Vijyant At Kargil and Capt Vijyant Thapar’s Legacy

This is one of the rarest tributes in Indian military literature—a father writing the biography of his son. Col VN Thapar has co-authored Vijyant At Kargil: The Life of a Kargil War Hero (Penguin Random House India) along with Neha Dwivedi, daughter of another Kargil martyr. The book honours Capt Vijyant Thapar, who was only 22 when he was martyred during the Kargil War of 1999, leading his platoon in the Battle of Tololing—one of the most critical operations of the war.

Born into a family with a proud military legacy, Capt Thapar was the son, grandson, and great-grandson of army officers. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, and deep patriotism.

Why the Biography Took Years to Be Written

Despite his son being portrayed in JP Dutta’s film LOC Kargil (2003), Col Thapar did not immediately write a book on his life. Explaining the delay, he says: “There were two reasons. One, I had never authored a book before, so I was sceptical. Second, many people promised to take up the project but never did. That caused a delay of several years.” The idea was revived at a Penguin meet, where the biography finally took shape.

Documenting a Hero’s Journey

Vijyant At Kargil traces Capt Vijyant Thapar’s life—from childhood, to the Indian Military Academy, to his transformation into a courageous young officer, and finally, his ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War.

The book also highlights the extraordinary public response to his martyrdom. “Over 1.5 lakh people came to salute him on his final journey. It was not because he was Vijyant, but because of the spirit he represented,” says Col Thapar.

The biography preserves personal memories, letters, diaries, and photographs—offering a deeply intimate portrait of the soldier known lovingly as “Robin.”

The Last Letter That Captures His Spirit

Among the most emotional possessions preserved by the family is Capt Thapar’s final letter to his parents: “By the time you get this letter, I’ll be observing you from the sky enjoying the hospitality of the apsaras. I have no regrets. Even if I become a human again, I’ll join the army and fight for my nation.”

A Story Meant to Inspire Generations

Col Thapar believes stories like his son’s must reach younger generations. “People, especially the youth, need to know these stories. They inspire you to live with purpose and courage,” he says.

For his bravery during the Battle of Tololing, Capt Vijyant Thapar was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. Vir Chakra is one of India’s highest wartime gallantry awards.

A Legacy Immortalised in Words

Vijyant At Kargil is more than a biography. It is a father’s tribute, a soldier’s legacy. And, it is a reminder of the courage that shaped the outcome of the Kargil War. Through this book, Capt Vijyant Thapar’s spirit continues to live on—beyond the battlefield, into the hearts of a nation.