Capt Amit Bhardwaj

Captain Amit Bhardwaj was born on 4th March 1972 in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, known for its rich heritage and valorous history. He was the beloved son of Shri OP Sharma and Smt Sushila Sharma, who instilled in him strong moral values from an early age. From as young as seven years old, Capt Amit displayed a remarkable sense of compassion and social responsibility—he would voluntarily donate a portion of his pocket money to help the poor and underprivileged. These early traits of generosity, kindness, and integrity remained hallmarks of his character throughout his life. Capt Amit received his schooling from the prestigious St. Xavier’s Boys School in Jaipur, where he stood out not only for his academic discipline but also for his exemplary conduct and humility. Known for his soft-spoken nature and respectful demeanor, he quickly earned the affection and admiration of both his teachers and peers. His popularity at school extended beyond the classroom—he remained actively involved in the St. Xavier’s Old Boys Association, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to his alma mater.

A passionate sportsman, Capt Amit excelled in multiple sports, particularly in table tennis and football. His sporting spirit and team ethic further reflected the leadership potential that would later define his military career. After completing his schooling, Capt Amit pursued higher education at Rajasthan University, where his resolve to join the Indian Army strengthened. Deeply patriotic and driven by a desire to serve the nation, he chose the path of the armed forces—a calling that demanded courage, discipline, and selfless service. In 1997, he was commissioned into the Indian Army and joined the 4th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, famously known as “4 Jat.” The Jat Regiment is one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its gallantry and exceptional service in numerous military operations. It was in this proud and battle-hardened unit that Capt Amit began his military journey. His first posting was to Pithoragarh, a strategic location near the Indo-Nepal border. Displaying exceptional leadership and operational acumen, he soon proved himself to be an asset to his battalion. His next posting came during a crucial period when he was assigned to the Kaksar area in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir—a region known for its harsh terrain and significant strategic importance.

Operation Vijay: 17 May 1999

In May 1999, troubling intelligence reports began to emerge regarding infiltration by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Indian Army initiated reconnaissance operations to verify the credibility of these reports. The responsibility for one such critical verification mission fell upon the 4th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, to which Capt Amit Bhardwaj belonged. On May 14, 1999, a six-member patrol team led by Lt Saurabh Kalia was dispatched to survey the strategically significant Bajrang Post in the Kaksar sector. Due to heavy snowfall and treacherous terrain, the patrol was unable to reach the designated post that day. Undeterred, the team resumed their mission the following day. However, around 3:30 p.m. on May 15, as they approached Bajrang Post, they came under sudden and intense enemy fire from intruders who had clandestinely occupied the area. Despite being outgunned and taken by surprise, Lt Kalia and his men engaged the infiltrators with valour and relayed the situation back to their battalion headquarters, requesting immediate reinforcements. Unfortunately, they ran out of ammunition during the firefight and were ultimately surrounded and captured by enemy forces before reinforcements could arrive.

In response to this emergency, Capt Amit Bhardwaj was tasked with leading a reinforcement and search operation to locate and rescue Lt Kalia and his team. On May 17, 1999, Capt Bhardwaj led a contingent of 30 soldiers on a high-stakes mission to Bajrang Post. Upon reaching the vicinity, he quickly assessed the tactical situation and realized that the enemy presence was far more extensive and fortified than initially anticipated. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Capt Bhardwaj took swift command of the situation. Understanding the need to preserve the lives of his men, he made the difficult yet strategic decision to order a tactical retreat to report back and call for heavier reinforcements. However, such a retreat under enemy fire was fraught with risk, and it needed a brave soldier to provide covering fire to shield the withdrawing troops. Capt Bhardwaj, embodying the highest traditions of leadership and selflessness, volunteered to stay behind and provide cover. Leading from the front, he engaged the enemy forces with fierce determination, managing to eliminate more than 10 infiltrators in the process. He was assisted by Havildar Rajvir Singh Sheoran, who stood by him during the firefight. Their heroic action ensured that all 30 soldiers of the team were able to safely retreat to the base camp without further casualties.

In the fierce gun battle that ensued, both Capt Amit Bhardwaj and Hav Rajvir Singh Sheoran sustained severe injuries. Despite their grievous wounds, they continued to fight valiantly until they succumbed to their injuries on the battlefield, upholding the ultimate soldier’s creed of duty before self. Due to the ongoing hostilities and the rugged terrain, Capt Bhardwaj’s body could not be recovered immediately. It was not until July 13, 1999—nearly 57 days after his supreme sacrifice—that his mortal remains were finally recovered. In a deeply symbolic and poignant discovery, his weapon was found clutched firmly in his hand, a testament to his undying resolve and warrior spirit. Throughout this painful period, Capt Bhardwaj’s family held on to hope, refusing to believe the rumors of his death. They believed with unwavering faith that their son was still alive, battling courageously at the front lines. It was only after his body was recovered that the harsh reality was confirmed, bringing an end to their long and anxious wait.

Capt Amit Bhardwaj was just 27 years old when he laid down his life for the nation. His bravery, sense of responsibility, and selfless leadership made him a true embodiment of the Indian Army's ethos. He remains an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice, inspiring generations of soldiers and civilians alike. Capt Amit Bhardwaj is survived by his father Shri OP Sharma, mother Smt Sushila Sharma, and sister Smt Sunita Dhonkaria.

• During the last journey of Capt Amit Bhardwaj, the city of Jaipur was in utter state of grief on seeing their hero in a casket. Thousands of school children, citizens, and relatives along with ex-Vice President Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister Mr. Ashok Gehlot, His Highness Maharaja Bhawani Singh, Governor of Jaipur, Mayor Shri Mohanlal Gupta, Senior Army officers, and higher Government authorities paid tribute to Capt Amit Bhardwaj.

• A trust has been established in his name called, Shaheed Amit Bhardwaj Memorial Charitable Trust (Established in September 1999). It is a voluntary organization dedicated to the service of the needy, destitute, and underprivileged sections of society. Based in Jaipur, Rajasthan the trust run by his family members undertakes a number of charitable activities including Blood Donation Camps, Tree Plantation Programmes, Scholarships to Students and many other welfare activities.

Mrs Sunita Dhonkaria, sister of Capt Amit Bhardwaj, paid tribute to her brother on his “Day of Martyrdom” on 17 May 2019.....

Twenty long years have gone by since my brother, Amit was martyred in the Kargil war, but he still lives in the hearts of all family members and the people who knew him. A tough soldier from outside, he had a heart full of compassion and empathy. Though three years younger to me, he taught me the value and significance of being compassionate.

Even during his younger days, Amit would show his concern for poor and needy and often help them in whichever way he could. Our family and friends have many stories to share about his acts of kindness. He was maintaining a dairy to jot down his thoughts and had mentioned in it that he wanted to join the armed forces or civil services to serve the country and make a difference.

He joined the army and earned his stars on 5th Sep 1997, and after a brief stint at Pithoragarh, he went to Kargil in 1998. In Dec 1998, he got involved in a major accident while traveling with his fellow soldiers, when their truck fell into a deep trench on the way from Kargil to Leh but he escaped with minor injuries. He got saved three times like this in different incidents as mentioned in his diary. He wrote in his diary that, some superpower was saving him repeatedly for a deed of a great significance, which eventually happened in May 1999.

On 04 March 1999, he visited 'India Gate' while on leave, with one of my other brothers and told him that one day his name would adorn the war memorial wall, which too came true. He was martyred on 17 May 1999 while battling heroically against the enemy and saving the lives of his fellow comrades. However his body could only be recovered 56 days after his martyrdom and he arrived home on 15 July 1999 wrapped in the Tri-color.

Our family runs a trust " Shaheed Amit Bhardwaj Memorial Charitable Trust" in his honour and he continues to live with all of us through the Memorial Trust's various charitable activities.

Amit, my brother, you have gone, but your sacrifice, compassion and love for the country would continue to inspire millions of Indians.

Sunita Dhonkaria