Lalit Rai
| Lalit Rai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
24 January 1956 Dehradun |
| Allegiance |
 India |
| Service/branch | Infantry/11 GR |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 1/11 GORKHA RIFLES (Bravest of the Brave), 17 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(MARATHA LI) |
| Battles/wars | Kargil War |
| Awards | Vir Chakra, COAS Commendation Card |
| Relations | Wife and Two daughters |
| Other work | [[Controller, Human Resources Development at Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd] [President, Human Resources Development and Administration Panchshil Realty]] |
Lalit Rai, VrC is a former officer of the Indian Army who was tasked with capturing the strategic heights of Khalubar in the Batalik sub-sector during Operation Vijay, Kargil War.[1]
Education
Colonel Rai is a product of the Bishop Cotton Boys' School.[2] He graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Bangalore University. He is a post graduate in Management from College of Defense Management, Secunderabad, India and Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey,USA.[3]
During Operation Vijay
The first unit deployed during Operation Vijay was 1/11 Gorkha Rifles (1st Battalion, 11th Regiment), who were specialists in high-altitude warfare.
1/11 Gorkha's were led by its commanding officer, Colonel Lalit Rai.[4] One of his Platoons was led by Captain Manoj Pandey (later PVC).[5]
During the advance, Indian troops were pinned down by effective and heavy volume of enemy fire. Realising the danger of getting day lighted in this vulnerable position, Colonel Rai ordered the Number 5 platoon to clear the interfering enemy positions while he himself led a handful of troops, available in front, to reach the top. The enemy, sensing the danger, counter-attacked these troops from three sides with 30-40 personnel. During this counterattack, Colonel Rai was injured in the knee. Despite his injury, he exhorted and encouraged his troops to fight courageously by setting a very high standard of bravery. He refused to be evacuated till such time the objective was captured. This act boosted the morale of his troops who regrouped and captured the objective in one charge. This capture turned out to be the turning point in the battle of the Batalik sub-sector. This operation accounted for killing of 25 enemy soldiers and capture of large amount of arms and ammunition including a Stinger missile, air defence guns and important documents.[6]
For his inspirational leadership and conspicuous bravery of a very high order, he was awarded the Vir Chakra[7] on 15 August 1999, by the President of India.[8]
In Popular Culture
In the popular war movie, LOC Kargil, Sudhesh Berry played the role of Col. Lalit Rai
Present Life
Col. Rai is presently the President, Human Resources Development and Administration, of a leading Realty & Hospitality Company.
References
- ↑ Malik, V. P. (2006). Kargil from surprise to victory. HarperCollins Publishers India. p. 195. ISBN 9788172236359.
- ↑ "Cottonians - Class of 1970-71". Retrieved 3 November 2014.
- ↑ http://www.simplylifeindia.com/col-lalit-rai.html
- ↑ http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kargil-war-hero-recounts-tales-of-valour/386375/
- ↑ http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmPhotoGalleryWithMenuWithTitle.aspx?MnId=NCvnix4zLfQhf90l3OuEBw%3d%3d&ParentID=1tHir3NYQjroCJ9AgypEwg%3d%3d
- ↑ "Vir Chakra Awardee - Col. Lalit Rai". Retrieved 3 November 2014.
- ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/He-died-the-most-glorious-death/articleshow/709608.cms
- ↑ "Bharat Rakshak - Undiluted Heroism - Col. Lalit Rai". Retrieved 3 November 2014.