Arpit Tripathi, Greater Noida. The Kargil War is a saga of extraordinary courage that fills every Indian with pride. In this conflict against Pakistan, 527 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives to defeat Pakistan and foil its treacherous designs.
The tales of their heroism still swell our hearts with pride. One such braveheart is Narendra Bhati, born in Sainthli village, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. He played a key role in forcing the enemy to bow during the war.
Narendra attained martyrdom on 21 July 1999, when the enemy launched a sudden attack on his camp. His name is etched in gold among those who laid down their lives for the nation in Kargil.
Narendra was born on 2 January 1971 to farmer Chaudhary Mahipal Singh Bhati and mother Vishmbhari Devi in Sainthli village. He joined the Central Reserve Police Force in July 1993 and served in different states until 1999.
In April 1999, he was posted in the Assam-based C-130 Battalion. While on leave in his village, his unit’s leave was suddenly cancelled and he was sent to Baramulla. The battalion was tasked with patrolling during the Kargil war.
Impressed by his bravery, the officers deployed him at Baramulla Duda Bagh and Chandusa Post. On the night of 21 July 1999, the battalion was attacked with grenades, fired by Pakistani soldiers hiding nearby. Narendra alerted his officers to the presence of the infiltrators.
The unit held the line and retaliated fiercely; a fierce gun battle ensued. Charging at lightning speed, Narendra and his comanrades closed on the enemy. He was hit—one bullet in the chest, another in the abdomen—but the oath to defend the nation kept him from retreat.
Despite his wounds, Narendra killed three Pakistani soldiers, kept fighting, foiled the enemy’s plans, and while defending his post, breathed his last in the lap of Mother India.
Thanks to his heroism, the battalion remained safe.
Then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Kalyan Singh, former RSS head Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya), former Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Congress leader Rajesh Pilot came to Sainthli village to pay homage.
In honor of Martyr Narendra Bhati, the 10-km road from Sainthli to Chhaulas and Nangla village in Greater Noida is named after him. His wife Suresh Devi, sons Sumeer and Sumeet, and daughter Sangita Bhati are proud of his sacrifice.