“As time passed [at the Indian Military Academy], it became clear that his apparent outspoken nature, which initially was mistaken for arrogance, was anything but that. He was genuine and not afraid to speak his mind. He had all the qualities of an ideal GC—fitness, enthusiasm and vigour. He did not hesitate to take a stand. His optimism and cheerfulness were infectious, and these, along with his never-give-up attitude, made him endearing. No matter what his fri
ends asked him, Robin never said, ‘I don’t know.’ Mostly he did know. And even if he didn’t, he tried to figure it out.”
Here are some traits of Captain Vijyant,who was only twenty-two when he was martyred in the Kargil War, from his biography, Vijyant at Kargil writtenby his father and Neha Dwivedi.
He loved adventure (and the outdoors)
“Robin was growing up to be a warm, friendly, ever-curious and outgoing child. He was now a happy three-year-old who was always seeking adventure.”
“When made to study, he would ask his father to read to him instead. Being inherently outdoorsy, the need to absorb bookish information was lost on him. He learnt far better by experimenting and exploring.”
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He was self-sufficient
“On the nights his parents were busy and couldn’t read to him, Robin would pick up one of his books and flip through the pages himself till he fell asleep.”
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He was emotionally mature
“At six, Robin could feel the kind of emotions that were lost on people much older than him.”
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He liked to teach others what he already knew
“Having learnt how to cycle at an early age, Robin now thought himself to be an expert and fully equipped to teach other children.”
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He adapted well to situations
“Robin was seven years old then. Learning to adapt to new cities and making new friends came naturally to him. Still a lover of the outdoors, he was happiest when out in the open, playing his favourite games.”
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He wasn’t easily offended
“One time, when all the boys were chatting among each other, including Robin and Parag, it was revealed that both Robin and his little brother were named after birds. The boys found this funny and started teasing Robin about it. He simply laughed along and did not let it get to him. He did not fight back or hold a grudge against anyone. Parag couldn’t help but admire this quality in someone his own age.”
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Robin took great pleasure in the success and achievement of his friends and loved ones.
“He didn’t have a jealous bone in his body. One day, he came home jumping with joy because Donny had stood third in class.”
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He was a responsible boy, even at age 10
“Running with his big brother was a moment to cherish for Birdie. Robin, too, would be careful not to race and would pace himself instead. He was aware that his younger brother would emulate him and so would act accordingly in his presence. Mamoon had an uneven ground, thorny shrubs, plenty of insects and birds, even small animals waiting to be discovered.”
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He very happily indulged his younger brother (by six years)
“Instead of competing with him, he would let him win. He always thought of Birdie as his responsibility, and would always be available to solve his problems or give him gentle pushes when he needed them.”
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He was assertive
“Robin always tried to do everything better than the rest. Often, he would be the one asking extra questions, eliciting silent groans from the rest of the class. He was aware of the sentiment, but his focus was rock solid. He was assertive and did not hesitate to take a stand, a quality mostly found in leaders.”
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He had many admirable qualities
“He had great qualities like consideration, concern and kindness for others. But he was also humble. He felt embarrassed talking about his achievements. With a shy smile, he would brush aside any compliment given to him.”
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He was faithful to his beliefs
“Robin had immense faith in his beliefs and once he had made up his mind about something, there was little one could do to change it.”
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He was always setting an example for others
“His spirit often motivated others around him. He took immense pride in his turnout, and so his kits and rigs would always be spick and span and ready. He also always had a spare set of web equipment, cleaned and polished, which he gladly lent to his peers. He even kept his cabin shipshape, setting an example for others.”
