Lalit Rai

Lalit Rai
Born	(1956-01-24)24 January 1956 Bangalore
Allegiance	India
Service / branch	Indian Army
Rank	Colonel
Unit	Infantry
Commands	1/11 Gorkha Rifles, 17 Rashtriya Rifles(MARATHA LI)
Battles / wars	Kargil War
Awards	Vir Chakra
Alma mater	Bishop Cotton Boys' School, National Defence Academy

Lalit Rai, VrC is a soldier of the Indian Army who was tasked with capturing the strategic heights of Khalubar in the Batalik sub-sector during Operation Vijay, Kargil War.

Col. Rai is a product of the Bishop Cotton Boys' School.

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.

For his inspirational leadership and conspicuous bravery of a very high order, he was awarded the Vir Chakra on 15 August 1999, by the President of India.

Col. Rai is presently Director, Human Resources, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited.