KOCHI: Twenty-five years have passed since Capt Jerry Prem Raj, Vir Chakra, laid down his life for his beloved country on Tiger Hill in Kargil in 1999. The war — which began on May 3, 1999 and ended on July 26, 1999 — was fought in a harsh, high-altitude environment posing unique challenges.
It was the deadliest and largest war fought between India and Pakistan which saw 527 soldiers attaining martyrdom and 1,363 hurt. As the nation observes another Kargil Diwas on July 26, the state reminisces about the martyrdom of one of its brave sons.
Chella Thayee, Capt Jerry Prem Raj’s mother, remembers every line that her son had written in his last letter. With eyes brimming with tears, she says, “I am very proud to be known as Jerry’s mother. Wherever I go, everyone gives me love and respect because of my son. So, I always feel that Jerry has achieved eternal life.” She recalls that he had written about buying a satellite phone for her once he came home after his duty.
Born on April 7, 1972, Capt hailed from Venganoor village in Thiruvananthapuram. He joined defence following in the footsteps of his elder brother who served in the Indian Air Force. Jerry joined the IAF at 18, training as an instrument fitter. Later, he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 158 Medium Regiment. In May 1999, he got married to Praseena but unfortunately had to cut short their honeymoon and report to duty.
Taking a trip down memory lane, his elder brother Rejinald Pavithran, says, “Jerry was stationed in the Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of ‘Operation Vijay’, launched to reclaim territories infiltrated by Pakistani forces, he served as the Forward Observation Post Officer with the 2 Naga Battalion.”
To keep his younger brother’s memories alive, Rejinald maintains a chronicle of the life and legacy of Jerry. Within the pages of the book reside not just writings, but the essence of Jerry’s indomitable spirit.
“Jerry was a born leader. From winning a baby show at six months to excelling as a cricketer and captain in school, he showed exceptional talent and determination,” Rejinald says. “He had a deep passion for the Army and pursued his dream relentlessly, eventually becoming a respected officer. His warmth, storytelling ability, and love for Mohanlal films made him unforgettable to all who knew him,” he says.
This year, his family is taking a pilgrimage to the Drass War Memorial, in Kargil, Ladakh. “It is the land where he died, fighting for his country 25 years ago. Our journey is a testament to Jerry’s sacrifice and the legacy he left behind,” says Rejinald.
Baiju Sasidharan, a close friend and confidant of the Captain, vividly recalls their final journey together aboard a train bound for Ernakulam. “During the journey, Jerry spoke passionately about his responsibilities and the inherent risks he faced while defending the nation,” says Baiju.
Colonel Sandeep Ahlawat, a coursemate from the SS-64 course, OTA, talks of how amidst the chaos of battle, Capt Jerry exemplified that nothing divides a soldier. “He was an Indian at heart, a soldier who was unwaveringly devoted to our nation’s cause.”
