Deprived of her father’s presence , love and affection throughout her life from the tender age of three years, Inayat wore the army uniform and suddenly someone commented, ‘She is the army’s daughter’. Actually there is no doubt about it. Inayat chose the same uniform which his father Major Navneet Vats, who sacrificed his life while fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir , use to wear. This is a twenty years old real story.
This inspirational story of Inayat Vats became known to everyone yesterday when it was shared during the spectacular passing out parade at the Army’s Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Inayat is now Lieutenant Inayat Vats and has joined the third generation carrying forward the tradition of a family dedicated to the military.
Inayat, a resident of Panchkula, Haryana, is a graduate of Lady Shri Ram College of Delhi University. She is doing MA in Political Science from Hindu College here.
Inayat Vats’s mother Shivani told that Inayat once asked her what would you have done if I were a boy? On this I told her that I would have asked her to join NDA or IMA. Shivani says that I am happy that despite the option of living a comfortable life, Inayat joined the army following his father’s path.
In this way Inayat also took her idea forward and chose the army , like her father , to serve the country.
Who was Major Navneet Vats:
Major Navneet Vats, resident of Chandigarh, always wanted to wear an ‘Olive Green’ uniform. Fulfilling his childhood dream, he joined the army. He was commissioned in the 4th Battalion of the 3 Gorkha Rifles Regiment. After serving for a few years, Major Navneet married Shivani and the couple had a daughter – Inayat. Little Inayat had filled his life with wonderful moments and lots of happiness but this remained so only till November 20, 2003. This day proved to be an inauspicious day for the family.
Operation Srinagar on 20 November 2003
After serving with his unit for a few years, Major Navneet was posted in Srinagar on deputation to 32 Rashtriya Rifles. 32 RR was engaged in counter-insurgency operations and faced challenging situations on a regular basis. On 18 November 2003, a group of terrorists captured a government building in Srinagar. The security forces decided to launch a joint operation to deal with the crisis. After two days of deadlock, i.e. on 20th November, a plan was made to conduct an operation to kill the terrorists.
For this important operation, Major Navneet Vats was given the responsibility of leading the attack team. It was a very risky mission as the terrorists were hiding in safe places inside the building and were armed with automatic weapons. Major Navneet, a determined and committed soldier, accepted the challenge and led his team from the front and stormed the building. Major Navneet and his determined comrades showed tremendous courage to enter the building. Because the terrorists were in safe positions inside, they opened heavy fire on the team. Moving forward in such a situation was not an easy task but this brave team moved forward with courage to kill the terrorists.
During the fierce firing, Major Vats was hit by six bullets in the upper part of his body. Four other brave soldiers including a Colonel were seriously injured. Major Navneet lost a lot of blood due to the bullet injuries and later he lost his life. Major Navneet displayed outstanding courage and leadership during the operation and laid down his life in the service of the country. Major Navneet Vats was awarded the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his bravery, undaunted fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice.
