Capt Vijai Pratap Singh VrC

Captain Vijai Pratap Singh hailed from Awajapur village in Sakaldiha tehsil of Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh and was born on July 31, 1942. He was inclined to serve in the Army from a young age and continued to follow his dream as he grew up. Eventually, he joined the Army in 1962 at the age of 20 and was commissioned into the 56 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a combat arm of the Indian Army known for its booming field guns and other heavy weaponry. 56 Field Regiment was raised on 15 April 1964 at Aurangabad as 56 Mountain Composite Regiment (Pack) with Lieutenant Colonel Kailas Prasad Pandey as its first commanding officer. The regiment had three batteries comprising 4 Hazara Mountain Battery, 145 Mountain Battery (Pack), and 563 Mountain Battery. 

As a young second lieutenant, Vijai Pratap Singh joined 4 Hazara Mountain Battery and soon got involved in various field operations. After serving for some time he got married to Ms Kalpana hailing from Varanasi and the couple had a son Ajay. Later, he earned the rank of Captain through his skills and dedication.  As war clouds gathered on the horizon in early 1971, Capt Vijai Pratap Singh’s unit, the 56 Mountain Regiment, was deployed on the eastern border, allowing him to take part in active operations early in his career. 

Battle of Kamalpur (Indo-Pak War): 04 Dec 1971

During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Capt Vijai Pratap Singh's unit 56 Mtn Regt was deployed in the Eastern Sector. It was functioning under the operational control of 95 Mountain Brigade under the command of Brig HS Kler. 95 Mtn Bde, came under 101 Communication Zone commnaded Maj Gen Gurbaksh Singh operating under HQs Eastern Command. 95 Mtn Bde besides 56 Mtn Regt had three Infantry battalions viz. 13 Guards, 1 Maratha Light Infantry (MLI), and 13 Raj Rif and another Artillery element in the form of 852 Light Battery. With the overall objective of 101 Communication Zone to capture Dacca, the operational plans envisaged a two-pronged advance with 95 Mtn Bde advancing along the Jamalpur axis and subsidiary thrust along the Mymensing axis. At that time 56 Mtn Regt was equipped with 76 mm guns. On 3 November 1971, the regiment provided artillery support to the 13 Raj Rif battalion in the capture of Telikhali (east of Jamalpur-Tura-Sherpur road). Later as part of ongoing operations, it was decided to wrest Kamalpur from the enemy. Capt Vijai Pratap Singh's unit 56 Mtn Regt was given the responsibility to support 13 Guards in this task.

During the capture of Kamalpur on 4 December 1971, Capt Vijai Pratap Singh of 4 Hazara Battery was functioning as the Forward Observation Officer (FOO) with 13 Guards. As the battle raged on, the company commander of 13 Guards got injured in the enemy fire. Capt Vijai Pratap Singh, realizing the gravity of the situation took over the command of the assaulting company. The mission was critical, and the stakes were high. His presence was a beacon of hope and determination for his men. Moving swiftly from one platoon to another, he inspired his soldiers with his unwavering courage and resolve. Under a relentless barrage of artillery, mortar, and automatic fire, Capt Vijai Pratap Singh orchestrated a precise and concentrated attack. Despite being seriously wounded, he continued to direct the fire of their guns with remarkable accuracy. His leadership and bravery galvanized the company, driving them forward with renewed vigor. The enemy post, once a formidable stronghold, began to crumble under the relentless assault. Inspired by their Captain’s example, the soldiers pressed on, capturing the post in a decisive victory. However, the triumph came at a great cost. Capt Vijai Pratap Singh, having given everything for his men and his mission, succumbed to his injuries. Besides Capt Vijai Pratap Singh his radio operator Gunner Hans Raj also made the supreme sacrifice during the operation. The second radio operator Gunner Kanwar Singh brought back the body of Capt Vijai Pratap Singh braving heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire. 

Capt Vijai Pratap Singh’s sacrifice at the age of 29 years was a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fight for their country. Capt Vijai Pratap Singh was given the nation’s third highest gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” on 15 Aug 1972 for his outstanding courage, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice during the operation.

Capt Vijai Pratap Singh is survived by his wife Smt Kalpana Singh and son Shri Ajay Singh. 

• Shaheed Captain Vijai Pratap Singh Smarak Degree College (SCVPSM) was established at Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh in 2004 in the memory of Captain Vijai Pratap Singh.