Capt Pannikot Vishwanath Vikram SM

Captain P.V. Vikram was born on 24th October 1973 into a proud military family at Manari House, Panniyankara, Kallai, in Kozhikode district of Kerala. He was the son of Lt Col P.K.P.V. Panicker and Mrs. Kalyani Panicker. Growing up in a disciplined and patriotic environment, he was deeply influenced by the values of service, dedication, and honour from an early age, which later shaped his aspiration to serve in the Indian Army. Due to his father’s postings at various military stations across the country, Captain Vikram had a diverse educational journey, studying in several Kendriya Vidyalayas. He began his schooling in 1979 at Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Kozhikode. Later, following his father’s transfer from a field area, he moved to Kendriya Vidyalaya Talbahat, Uttar Pradesh. As part of his continuing education, he studied Classes VII and VIII at Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Srinagar, where he adapted to yet another new environment. He then completed Classes IX and X at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Later, he rejoined Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Kozhikode for Class XI, before shifting to Kendriya Vidyalaya, Faridkot, Punjab, where he completed his Class XII education.

After finishing school, he pursued higher education at NSS College, Ottapalam, Kerala, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Computer Science in 1994. Alongside academics, he was known to be disciplined, determined, and deeply passionate about joining the armed forces. Captain Vikram had set his sights on a career in the Indian Army from his school days. Inspired by his military upbringing, he actively participated in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and successfully earned the prestigious ‘C’ Certificate, which reflected his leadership qualities, discipline, and strong commitment towards a military career. Determined to serve the nation, he joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he underwent rigorous military training and honed the qualities of leadership, endurance, and courage. On 8th June 1996, he proudly passed out from the academy and was commissioned into the Indian Army in the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was commissioned into the esteemed Regiment of Artillery and posted to the Madhya Pradesh-based 141 Field Regiment. This posting carried special significance, as his father, Lt Col P.K.P.V. Panicker, had also served in the same regiment during his military career. It was indeed a rare and proud honour for Captain P.V. Vikram to serve in the very regiment that had once been part of his father’s distinguished service, further strengthening his family’s enduring legacy of dedication to the nation. Captain Vikram’s journey reflected discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of service and patriotism. From his early years in a military household to earning his place in the Indian Army, he embodied the finest traditions of courage, honour, and devotion to duty.

Kargil Operation: 02 June 1999

During the Kargil War of 1999, Captain P.V. Vikram was serving with the 141 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, which was deployed in the strategically vital Kaksar sector of Kargil, one of the key battle zones during Operation Vijay. The sector witnessed intense combat as Indian Army units launched determined operations to recapture enemy-held heights and bunkers that had been occupied by Pakistani intruders. As an officer of the artillery regiment, Captain Vikram played a crucial role in supporting infantry assaults through accurate artillery fire coordination. On 2nd June 1999, he was deployed at a forward post located at an altitude of nearly 17,500 feet in the rugged and hostile terrain of Kaksar. In extremely harsh weather conditions, steep rocky slopes, and under constant enemy observation and fire, he was entrusted with the critical responsibility of serving as the Forward Observation Officer (FOO) in direct support of the 4th Battalion of the Jat Regiment (4 Jat). As a Forward Observation Officer, Captain Vikram’s task was both vital and extremely dangerous. Positioned close to the frontline, he had to observe enemy movements, identify hostile bunkers, and accurately direct artillery fire onto enemy positions to assist advancing infantry troops. During Operation Vijay, the soldiers of 4 Jat Battalion were engaged in a fierce assault on heavily fortified Pakistani bunkers in the Kargil sector, while Captain Vikram led and coordinated artillery fire support to suppress enemy defenses and pave the way for the advancing troops.

Amid the intense battle, heavy firing continued from both sides for several hours. Despite being exposed to grave danger and continuous enemy shelling, Captain Vikram remained steadfast at his post, courageously directing artillery barrages with precision and determination. His calm leadership and professional skill played a significant role in supporting the infantry assault during the critical phase of the operation. During this fierce exchange of fire, tragedy struck when an enemy mortar shell exploded very close to Captain Vikram’s position while he was actively directing artillery fire onto enemy targets. The blast caused him severe injuries. Even in the face of grave danger, he had continued to perform his duty with exemplary courage and devotion. Despite immediate efforts to save him, Captain P.V. Vikram later succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life in the service of the nation. His supreme sacrifice came while fighting in one of the most difficult and high-altitude battlefields of the Kargil War. Captain P.V. Vikram was a valiant, fearless, and deeply committed officer who embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army. His courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to duty remain an inspiration to generations of soldiers and citizens alike. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of military service, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious Sena Medal. His sacrifice during Operation Vijay remains a proud chapter in the history of the Indian Army and a lasting tribute to his patriotism and devotion to the nation.

Capt PV Vikram is survived by his father an Army veteran Lt Col PKPV Panicker, mother Smt Kalyani Panicker and younger brother, P V Keshav.

A Father’s tribute:

In a family where military tradition runs in the blood there were no ostentatious signs of grief. Lt Colonel Panicker, who worked in Bangalore, reached Kozhikode on learning about the death of his eldest son. To the hundreds who gathered at his home to offer condolences, he voiced the same matter-of-fact refrain, “A soldier should always be prepared to die in the battlefield. I participated in two wars against Pakistan, but I could not sacrifice my life for the country. He has sacrificed his life for the nation. I have no regrets. My son has accomplished what I could not. I am really proud of him”. He spoke with grace and dignity, like a true army man and proud of the achievements of his son.