The Kargil war was a long drawn out battle, a tenacious combat that was a fight to the finish. As the whole nation waited with baited breath, the Indian flag firmly fluttered over Tiger Hills on the morning of July 4, 1999and all of India celebrated. Operation Vijay was successful.

It was one man who became the face of the Indian soldier at Kargil, whose words reverberate even today - 'Yeh Dil Maange More..' Captain Vikram Batra took the advertising slogan and elevated it to a motto for life.

The intrepid soldier lost his life on this day, 12 years ago, while trying to save a fellow soldier.

Here's a look at the ‘Sher Shah' whose valiant efforts paved the way for India's victory in the Kargil war.