IndiGo's crew's special welcome for Param Vir Chakra awardee is winning over the internet

India's biggest airline IndiGo recently felicitated Kargil war hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar on board one of its flights. The video was posted by IndiGo on Twitter and has been viewed over 3 lakh times in just 15 hours. In the Pune-bound flight, the captain could be seen first giving flight details and later welcomed Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar.

"Today, I standing before you today because we have a very special person onboard today. We have Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar ji, a recipient of the Param Vir Chakra," the captain announced.

The captain also shared how Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar despite gave physical injuries from the bullets of the enemy helped Indian Army capture Flat Top of Point 4875 in Mushkoh Valley during the Kargil war. The airline crew also presented a small token to the war hero.


According to Ministry of Defence website, Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (then Rifleman), a resident of Himachal Pradesh, was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his actions as a leading scout of the attacking column at Point 4875 in Mushkoh Valley during the Operation Vijay of 1999 Kargil war. In February 2022, he
was promoted to the rank of Subedar Major. He had joined Indian Army in 1996 and was posted to 13
Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Subedar Major.


On 4 July 1999, Sanjay Kumar was one of the leading scouts tasked to capture Flat Top of Point 4875 in Mushkoh Valley. But the enemy challenged the progress of the column. "With complete disregard for his personal safety, Rifleman Kumar displayed conspicuous courage as he charged at the enemy. In the subsequent physical combat, he fought the enemy and killed three of the enemy soldiers. He sustained grave injuries but did not yield and attacked the second sangar. The attack came as a surprise to the enemy and they fled leaving behind one universal machine gun (UMG). He picked up the UMG and shot at the fleeing enemy soldiers," the Defence Ministry website said.

"Although, he was profusely bleeding, he denied being evacuated and continued to charge at the enemy. His gallant action and fortitude motivated his fellow mates and despite the difficulties of fighting in treacherous terrain our troops were successful in seizing the area Flat Top from the enemy," the website said.

Many users appreciated the gesture from IndiGo. "One of the best gestures. How all airlines do this and not only make them feel honoured but also increase awareness about such inspiring personalities," @vinittulsyan tweeted.

Another user wrote: "Thank you IndiGo. Recognising the contribution of the PVC awardee and felicitating in the flight by the Captain is a nice gesture. What more can be given to a soldier other than recognition of his contribution to the nation."

"That's an amazing gesture and special compliments to the Captain for articulating the act of gallantry so flawlessly well .. It's rare outside the defence environment," tweeted another user.