Yeh Dil Maange More - Remembering Captain Vikram Batra

‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ – lines spoken by Captain Vikram Batra





These lines aren’t written by any advertising copywriter. These lines were coined by Major Vikram Batra which he used as a coded message after conquering every point from invaders. Captain Batra showed his dare devilry in Kargil War, facing the bullets and attaining martyrdom at age of 24. When civilians like me were pursuing degree to become a corporate slave, Captain Batra had already become a legend. Very few people are blessed to become war heroes and Vikram Batra was one of them. Batra’s code name was ‘Shershah.’ Military officers are given this code name to communicate with their senior authorities. Instead of opting for a luxurious government job, Vikram enrolled for army at Indian Military academy in Dehradun. His dare-devilry raised him to the position of Captain. In 1999, when Kargil was invaded by Pakistan, Captain Vikram Batra was assigned to recapture the peak 5140. Captain Batra with his team ‘Delta company’ ascended the highest peak 5140 confronting chilling cold, fatigue, exhaustion with only one goal in mind – free Kargil from the invaders. While climbing this peak, Batra and his team faced the bullets from the enemies. Despite all this, Captain Batra and his team reached the top and threw grenades. Captain Batra slayed three soldiers in deadly combat which left him seriously wounded. The mission of capturing point 5140 was successful. Along with his delta team, Batra went on to recapture several points – 5100, 4700 and 4875.

‘Every man dies, not everyone really lives’ – lines from movie Braveheart

Capturing Point 4875 and final martyrdom – This was one of the most challenging and toughest peaks to capture for Captain Batra and his team. Climbing a 16,000 feet high peak was highly impossible task for any ordinary person. Braving the obstacle of heavy fogs, Captain Batra and his team climbed the 16,000 feet high peak on 7^th July 1999. The delta team attacked the enemies and took control of point 4875. The large heartedness of Captain Batra was witnessed by his team when he took bullets on himself while saving one of his members from delta team. During the attack, he pushed aside his Subedar friend and faced the enemies’ bullets because he cared for his friend who had wife and children. This brave tiger of Kargil breathed his last while capturing the point 4875. His uttered the last words ‘Jai Mata di’. Operation Vijay wouldn’t have been successful without the efforts of Captain Vikram Batra and his delta team.

The Amar Chitra Katha Book - Paramvir Chakra featured story of Vikram Batra during kargil war

 Captain Anuj Nayyar was one more brave heart who laid his life in Kargil war along with Vikram Batra.  Captain Anuj Nayyar was recently engaged. During the war time, Anuj handed over his engagement ring to one of his friends to keep it safe till he returns. He never wanted the ring to fall in hands of enemies if he was killed. Sadly Anuj never returned back to get his engagement ring. He was the only child of his parents. It was very traumatic experience for his parents to bear the loss of their son. Unfortunately government never pays heed to the family of the soldiers who laid their lives for country.

Photo of late Captain Anuj Nayyar

Even Vikram Batra had plans to get married to his fiancée once he returned from war. But good fortunes were not in side of Vikram. He returned wrapped in Tri-color flag. Before going to war, he had promised his parents that he would return either by hoisting the flag on Kargil or come wrapped in ‘Tiranga’. His fiancée never got married. She devoted her life to teaching. Vikram’s gifts and letters were prized possessions to her.  Sadly, no one bothers to know what happened to a soldier’s family after his death. Batra’s parents were badly collapsed after hearing the news of his son’s death in Kargil war. They had twin sons – Vikram and Vishal. Vikram’s parents realized why God had given them twins. One would serve for country while other would take care of them. Vikram Batra was awarded ‘Paramvir Chakra’ for his sacrifice defending Kargil from invaders. 

On the 10^th death anniversary of Vikram, his twin brother Vishal Batra visited Leh Ladakh. He took a gaze at the high peaks of Kargil where Vikram Batra died fighting with the invaders. Vishal Batra in his interview with Barkha Dutt mentioned about the last letter of Vikram.

‘Life is at total risk. Anything can happen here. Take care of yourself and Mom & Dad. My picture has appeared in Times of India’. Keep a copy for me. I want to see it once I am back.” – Excerpt from the letter of Captain Vikram Batra to his brother Vishal.

The photo of Captain Vikram Batra featured on front page of Times of India on 2^nd July 1999. He was standing with an anti-aircraft gun and weapons in the photo.

Vishal Batra even met Sub Major Raghunath Singh, the survivor of Kargil war. He broke in tears when he saw Vishal Batra. Since Vishal was twin brother of Vikram, everyone saw the reflection of their commander Vikram in him. Raghunath recalled the moments of war. Actually it was Raghunath who was rushing to save a junior officer during the firing, but Vikram stopped him and took the initiative to save the junior officer. Since Vikram knew that Raghunath was a family man, Vikram couldn’t risk the life of Raghunath. In the action of rescuing the junior soldier, Vikram was fatally shot with a sniper rifle by the enemy. Even Vishal Batra had dreams to join armed forces, but later settled on to become a banker. 

A letter enclosed in an envelope is a precious gift for a soldier who reads this letter and even narrates the letters to his friends. He is far away from his family, friends but his heart is always close to them. Sadly, today’s youngsters won’t realize the value of letter because they are too busy messaging on Whatsapp. Only a soldier like Captain Vikram Batra can realize the emotions of words written in the letter.

The role of Captain Vikram Batra was played by actor Abhishek Bachchan in J.P.Dutta’s movie – LOC: Kargil which was based on Kargil war. Amar Chitra Katha released a comic book on Indian soldiers in which Captain Vikram Batra’s story was presented. Hope someday a full-fledged biopic is made on life of Captain Batra and his fellow soldiers – Anuj Nayyar, Manoj Kumar Pandey who died for nation’s pride.

This is a small effort on my side to remember Captain Batra and all other soldiers who freed Kargil from the invaders. Please do share this article with all your friends.

Jai Hind
Prashant Badiger

The Blue Umbrella – A Short Story By Ruskin Bond

“Some books are so familiar, reading them is like being home again” – Louisa May Alcott

Very few books have that charisma that appeal to both kids and grownups and Ruskin Bond’s short story – The Blue Umbrella is one of them. The above quote holds a special place in my heart because we like to read books where we love to relate ourselves. This short story – The Blue Umbrella belongs to that category, a memorable story whose magic will keep on enchanting the readers for generations. Published in 1980, this short story is written by Ruskin Bond whose stories are more connected to hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh. The premise of this story is set in a small village of Himachal Pradesh where a poor little girl named Binya is smitten to a beautiful blue umbrella owned by a rich family. She trades off her leopard claw necklace for the captivating blue umbrella. From that moment, the blue umbrella becomes Binya’s rich possession.

Slowly the umbrella becomes a center of attention among the people living in the village. Everyone in the village craves to own that umbrella. Especially Ram Bharose, a shopkeeper has his eyes set on the blue umbrella. He even requests Binya to sell her blue umbrella to him for a fair amount. But Binya refuses to part away with her prized valuable. Realizing that his master Ram Bharose won’t be able to gain the umbrella, his servant Rajaram plans to steal the umbrella for his master. But while stealing the umbrella, Rajaram is caught red-handed by Binya’s brother. When everyone in the village comes to know about Ram Bharose’s greedy intention of owning Binya’s umbrella, Ram Bharose is neglected by everyone in village. Later Binya realizes that she shouldn’t flaunt her umbrella to make Ram Bharose sad. Finally Binya happily parts away with her blue umbrella by giving it to Ram Bharose. Now everyone in the village borrows the blue umbrella from Ram Bharose for time being. Though Binya is sad for parting with her umbrella, she is glad that she has brought a smile of happiness on someone’s face.This short story was made into a motion picture in 2005 and was adapted as a comic story in Amar Chitra Katha.

I recently read this short story of Ruskin Bond and was so mesmerized by its simplicity that I couldn’t wait to share this story on my blog. This story is about joy of giving and sharing happiness even in sad moments. Though my writings can’t match the magic of Ruskin Bond’s words, I have made a small attempt to spread this story to all my readers, young and old. I hope that once you have read this post, you will definitely buy the original copy of “Blue Umbrella” written by Ruskin Bond.

Happy Reading
Prashant Badiger

The Godfather – A literary masterpiece by Mario Puzo

Novel – The Godfather
Author – Mario Puzo
Publication date – 1969
Genre – Crime
“Behind every great fortune, there is a crime – Balzac”

“The Godfather” novel is unarguably the best crime novel till date that has stood the test of time and has been hailed as the great masterpiece in the world of literature. Written by Mario Puzo, “The Godfather” revolves around the mafia chief – Don Vito Corleone who passes on his empire’s responsibility to his younger son Michael. Through this novel, Mario Puzo gives you a glimpse in the dark world of crime where every dishonest job is done with honesty and how the kingpins of crime keep law and politicians in their pockets. Inspired by actual events and people during America in 1940′s, Godfather is the journey of a Sicilian boy named vito who moves to America and how the incidents turn him from a ordinary grocery keeper into a mafia kingpin who on one side is a public enemy for the law while on the other side he is the savior or godfather of the innocent, oppressed and poor.

Fondly called as the ‘godfather’ in the arena of crime, Don Vito Corleone’s world turns upside down when he declines the offer to support illegal narcotics business and this is where other mafia groups come together to bring an end to the legacy of godfather. What rest follows is the series of massacre that leads to assassination attempt on don vito corloene and ruthless murder of his elder son – Sonny Corleone. This time Michael Corleone, the youngest son has to make his own destiny – either lead a happy life with his sweetheart or turn himself into a ruthless avenger and settle score with his adversaries who threaten to wipe out the existence of godfather. Michael ascends on the path of crime, turning himself into a dreadful vendetta for his foes and what price he pays to become the next godfather has been described very exceptionally by author Mario Puzo in his highly bestselling novel – The Godfather. 

This novel was adapted for motion picture and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Released in 1972, this motion picture bagged several Oscars and was hailed as the best motion picture in world of cinema. Actor Marlon Brando portrayed the title role while Al Pacino played the role of Michael Corleone.

No one could have justified the role of godfather with sheer magnificence as Marlon Brando did. He made this character larger than life with powerful performance. This novel became a great inspiration for several filmmakers to make gangster movies like scarface, goodfellas, once upon a time in America, American gangster , satya, dharmatma, company, sarkar and once upon a time in mumbai. Once you have completed reading “The Godfather”, then you should definitely read Hussain Zaidi’s book – Dongri to Dubai.

A walk to remember – An unforgettable classic

Hollywood Motion Picture: A walk to remember
Cast: Shane West, Mandy Moore
Year of Release: 2002
Genre: Romance
Author : Nicholas Sparks

“Love is like a wind, you can’t see it, but you can feel it” – lines from 2002 Hollywood motion picture – A walk to remember

Love is an invisible force which hurls us in the whirlpool of emotions, sensitivity, tears, happiness, separation and joy. No one can escape the force of this love. Some love stories end with happiness while some meet with tragedy. The 2002 motion picture – A Walk to remember is a mix of joy and sorrow. Inspired by a true story, this love story is about two people – Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan. Both are contrasted in their personalities. Landon is a carefree, mischievous college brat while Jamie is an introvert, shy and god loving girl who believes in volunteering for good causes, reading bible & helping every needy person. Initially, Landon makes fun of Jamie’s coy nature, but one day a school play brings Landon and Jamie together. As Landon starts rehearsing for the play with Jamie, he slowly starts understanding Jamie more deeply and feels that he knew her for ages. The play not only becomes a runaway success, but it also brings Landon closer to Jamie. Initially Jamie is reluctant to befriend Landon, but later she realizes that Landon has changed into a responsible, caring and sensible person. With the passing days, Landon succeeds to win the heart of Jamie, but this time Jamie breaks into tears and tells Landon to stay away from her. Landon finally comes to know that Jamie is suffering from terminal leukemia and has stopped responding to medicines.

“I am scared of not being with you” – lines from movie “A walk to remember”
Love changes a person, it really changes him or her, emotionally and this is what exactly happens with Landon too. Landon decides to fulfill every wish that Jamie cherished for her future. Finally Landon marries Jamie and stands by her till her last days of the life. After 20 years, Landon looks back to his life and realizes that the moment that he shared with Jamie are still fresh and her undying affection, compassion brought the best in him. Really, love is like a wind, you can’t see it, but you can feel the gush. Inspired by a true story, “A walk to remember” is movie adaptation of the novel with the same title penned by author Nicholas sparks. The movie featured Shane West as Landon Carter and Mandy Moore as Jamie Sullivan in the lead roles and this movie adaptation succeeds to capture the emotional spirit of the book. This movie was recommended to me by one of my friends and this movie is truly a mix of joy and sorrow. When you see this movie, you will instantly connect with it.

About the book “A Walk to remember” – This movie is an adaptation of the novel with the same title written by Nicholas Sparks, the popular author of best-selling novel – The Notebook. Published in 1999, this novel was a runaway success and was based on true story of Nicholas Sparks’ sister ‘Danielle Sparks Lewis’ who was very similar to Jamie Sullivan, the female protagonist of the novel. She also carried bible with her and volunteered for good causes by helping orphans and rescuing stray animals and birds. Nicholas Sparks’ sister died of cancer in 2000 and this book was a testimony of a brother’s undying love for his beloved sister who had few days to live. The story of the novel was set during 1958 while the movie was contemporary and was set during 1998.

“There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well.” – lines from book ‘A Walk to remember” written by Nicholas Sparks

After “Dear John”, this movie has become my favorite ones because somewhere I feel that someone’s presence has brought a big change in me, intellectually and emotionally. I am not the person, I used to be. Though our natures are diverse, I feel that someday the person will reciprocate to my feelings. Even if we are not destined to come together, I will happy to cherish the moments that I spent with her. It will be a love to remember, a smile to remember that gave a new lease to my life.

If you loved really someone in your life, then you should definitely see this movie. After a long time, I have tried to pen down an emotional blog post that is very close to my heart and a story which is worth remembering. Once you have enjoyed seeing this movie, also checkout watching “Message in a bottle”, “The last song”, “The Notebook”, “P.S I Love you” & “Dear John”.

Regards
Prashant Badiger

Little Women - The great classic

Novel Title  – Little Women
Author – Louisa May Alcott
Publication Date – 1868
Ratings : * * * * * *

Come, meet the Delightful March sisters! Thoroughly Enjoyable.
One thing that I appreciate about Little women is its sheer simplicity to connect with the readers. Written by Louisa may Alcott, the novel narrates the story of four sisters – March Girls who are totally contrast in their nature. The elder sister Margaret or Meg dreams of luxurious home and amenities for her future while Josephine or Jo, the tomboyish one aspires to make her name in the world of writing. Beth is shy and homesick while Amy is outspoken showing a fondness towards art.

The novel starts with the four sisters discussing about Christmas plans and when they receive the letter that their father cannot come this Christmas as he is serving in the civil war, the news really upsets March Sisters. In absence of their father, Marmee the mother takes the responsibility in upbringing the children with moral ethics, values and culture. Marmee suggests Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy to provide their breakfast as a Christmas gift to the poor children staying in neighborhood. March sisters happily offer their breakfast to the poor children and turn the christmas event as one of the most memorable day in their life they would ever forget.

Laurie is another character who is memorable in this novel. Laurie stays with his grandfather alone in a big mansion without any friends for company. The march sisters befriend Laurie and develop a long lasting relationship which further continues in the novel. After Meg gets married to Mr.Brooke, the tutor of Laurie, the circumstances turn adverse when Jo leaves for New York to pursue her dreams to become writer and Beth gets fatally sick with scarlet fever after serving children affecting from the disease. Even Laurie’s dreams of marrying Jo are shattered when Jo rejects the proposal. Does Jo fulfills her dream of becoming a writer? Does Beth recover from the scarlet fever? What happens to Laurie? Do Jo and Laurie Unite? You will get all these answers as you start reading the novel “Little Women”.  Written  in a very light hearted manner, it’s a coming of age, warm story without any melodrama.

I have read Little Women thrice, but every time I read I discovered some new aspects in the book. When I had picked this novel from bookstore, I assumed it to be similar to Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. I mostly don’t read novels with feminine background. But after reading I discovered that it was more excellent and very different from Pride and Prejudice. Little women is about friendship, family, feminine spirit and courage to achieve dreams. The bonding between Beth and Jo is narrated very beautifully and is exceptionally touching when both sisters share their sorrows and happiness in the testing times. The incidents in Little Women are the experiences of Louisa’s childhood, her sisters and her fondness towards writing. Other characters like Mr.Brooke, Fredrich Bhaer, Aunt march, Mr. James Laurence (grandfather of Laurie)  are also memorable in this novel.

Little Women has been made into motion picture in 1994 where Winona Ryder played the role of Josephine while Susan Sarandon essayed the part of Marmee March, Claire Danes portrayed the role of Beth and Christian Bale portrayed his role perfectly as Laurie.  If you like ‘Little Women’, also have a look at some refreshing old American classics like Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, Hans Brinker, Little Princess, Daddy Long legs, Secret Garden and Rebecca of SunnyBrookfarm. Present these books to your children and cultivate a habit of good reading in their mind. After all books are our best friends.


It is one of my favorites I always and highly recommend it to my friends. Grab the copy of Little Women, it will definitely cheer you up.

Happy Reading
Prashant Badiger

Dear John - The Movie

Movie: Dear John
Cast: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins and Henry Thomas
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Distributor: Screen Gems
Release Date: 5^th Feb 2010
Music: Deborah Lurie
Story: Nicholas Sparks

“No matter where it is in the sky… No matter where you are in the world… the moon is never bigger than your thumb. -John”

“See you soon then” – Savannah

The very first thing that captivates you in this movie is the soothing music composed by Deborah Lurie. It not only synchronizes with the dazzling cinematography, but also reflects the emotions and soul of the storyline written by Nicholas Sparks. Adapted from the 2006 novel, Movie “Dear John” is a timeless love story set against the backdrop of 9/11 events and revolves around John Tyree and Savannah, the lead protagonists who continue to express their emotions through letters even in the heartbreaking years of separation. The solitary life of soldier John Tyree changes the moment he meets the sweet, bubbly and optimistic Savannah during his leave in spring of 2001. The first meeting scene between John and Savannah has been shot very beautifully on the exotic beaches of North Carolina. When Savannah’s handbag suddenly falls in the sea, John takes a leap in the sea to retrieve the purse to the young woman. This scene has been beautifully written by Nicholas Sparks in his book and succeeds to bring a smile on the face of readers. In just 2 weeks, John and Savannah realize that they are made for each other.

But as the 9/11 event occurs, John gets the official orders to join in for war.The separation tears apart their togetherness, but John and Savannah endure this distance by writing letters to each other. Fate takes a drastic turn when John gets a letter from Savannah about her wedding. Though John re-enlists in armed forces to stay away from Savannah, fate brings them back together and John realizes the truth behind Savannah’s wedding.  Will John and Savannah re-unite? Will John be able to forgive Savannah? Come; embark on the journey of love with John and Savannah in 2010’s romantic movie – Dear John. What I like best about the movie is that it’s a simply sweet romantic story without any excessive melodrama and succeeds to find a place in your heart forever.  This excellent romantic story is not just about love between two people, it’s also a heart warming story between a father and a son. This novel is a tender, heart warming and a weepy tale of love and togetherness. Performance wise, Amanda Seyfried’s role as Savannah is really believable and sweet. Channing Tatum is truly convincing as John Tyree.

Once you have seen this Movie, do grab the copy of novel “Dear John” and you will truly enjoy reading this sweet story of John and Savannah. If you enjoy seeing “Dear John”, also check out the Movie “The Notebook” which is again an adaptation of the novel written by Nicholas Sparks. Hope you liked this article.

Happy Reading
Prashant Badiger

R.K.Narayan's Malgudi days

Author – R.K.Narayan
Book Title – Malgudi Days
Publication Date – 1943
Genre – Fiction (Short Stories)

There are lot of stories that hold a special place in my heart and R.K.Narayan’s Malgudi days is one of them. The short stories of malgudi days were adapted for a small screen during late 80’s and were enjoyed by television viewers. As a little kid, I used to enjoy some of the episodes of ‘swami and friends’, a small collection of swami’s adventures. I really appreciate the simplicity, humour and light heartedness in Narayan’s writings which highlight the struggle of common masses staying in Malgudi.

Using ‘Malgudi’, a fictional place in South India as a backdrop, Narayan succeeds to win the hearts of readers in just one read. The 30 short stories written by R.K.Narayan are completely unique, refreshing and inspiring in their own, giving us a valuable lesson of life in a humorous way. The stories in Malgudi days are about everyone – a blind beggar, dog, accountant, servant, talkative man, loyal maid, food stall owner, swami and many more characters which have a slice of reality. Every character in these short stories are struggling with their circumstances, difficulties and through these characters, R.K.Narayan brings us more closer to harsh ironies of life and how the characters triumph over the complexities of life. As a sensible person and a reader, when I observed the heart breaking struggles of human race in the stories of R.K.Narayan, I truly realized the insight moral behind every story. As you complete reading each story, you will feel an urge to read the stories once again to relish the delicacy of the simplicity hidden in the story.

If you have penchant for reading short stories, then R.K.Narayan’s Malgudi days is a must read for readers of every age, young and old. Through Malgudi days, R.K.Narayan has beautifully shown the ethos of India and displayed the colourful characters of people coming from different walks of life. Once you enjoyed reading this book, you will also enjoy ‘Under the banyan tree & other stories’, ‘Swami & friends’ , ‘The man-eater of malgudi’, ‘Guide’, ‘Vendor of sweets’ and grandma’s stories penned by R.K.Narayan, the great story teller of India. It’s a great privilege for me to write my first article of 2014 on R.K.Narayan’s Malgudi days the book that has been on the bookshelf of every reader worldwide for several generations. I am looking forward to write my thoughts on ‘Swami and friends’ soon on my blog. Hope you all have enjoyed reading my thoughts on Malgudi days. Do comment.
Thanks
Prashant Badiger