Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta VrC

Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta hailed from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and was born on 20 December 1945. He was the son of Shri JN Gupta and grew up with two brothers. From his younger days, he harboured a deep admiration for the Armed Forces and aspired to serve the nation in uniform. Driven by this ambition, he worked towards his goal and, after completing his schooling, earned selection to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), marking the beginning of his journey towards a career in the Indian Army. In July 1962, he joined the 28th NDA course and became a member of Foxtrot Squadron. During his time at the academy, he underwent rigorous military training that helped shape his character, instil discipline, and develop the qualities of leadership and camaraderie essential for an officer. Following his training at the NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he joined the 37th course. Upon completing his training, he passed out as a Second Lieutenant, ready to take on the responsibilities of military service.

On 15 June 1966, he was commissioned into the 9 Engineer Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, an important combat support arm of the Indian Army. The Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in supporting military operations through the construction of bridges, roads, and field fortifications, as well as overcoming obstacles and enabling the movement of troops and equipment. As a young officer, he embraced the professional demands of his regiment and steadily developed into a capable and dedicated soldier. Fondly known as “RN” among his comrades, he was appreciated for his friendly nature and the bonds of camaraderie he shared with those around him. He was also a keen sportsman who enjoyed an active life beyond his military duties. He was a good hockey player and had a particular interest in basketball, making the most of every opportunity to participate in the sport. His involvement in games reflected his enthusiasm for physical fitness, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition. In addition to his sporting interests, he was well-read and possessed a wide range of knowledge across various subjects. His intellectual curiosity and broad outlook added another dimension to his personality, making him an engaging companion and a thoughtful individual. Through his dedication to the profession, sporting enthusiasm, intellectual interests, and affable nature, Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta left a positive impression on those who served alongside him. 

Battle of Basantar (Indo-Pak war):  05 -17 Dec 1971

In December 1971, during the Indo-Pak War, Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta’s unit, 9 Engineer Regiment, commanded by Lt Col B T Pandit, was deployed in the western sector and played a crucial role in the Battle of Basantar, one of the most fiercely contested battles of the war. The battle, which began on 4 December and continued for nearly two weeks, was among the largest tank battles witnessed since the Second World War. The principal objective was to establish a bridgehead across the Basantar River and secure the strategically important Shakhargarh sector. The operation was spearheaded by I Corps, comprising three infantry divisions, two armoured brigades, two independent artillery brigades and an engineer brigade. During the night of 3–4 December 1971, Indian forces crossed the international border, with 47 Infantry Brigade leading the advance. Subsequently, 74 and 91 Infantry Brigades also joined the offensive, expanding the attack across a formidable front. As the operation progressed, the Indian Army encountered difficult terrain, extensive enemy minefields and strong opposition from Pakistani forces. In these circumstances, the role of the engineers became critical in ensuring the safe and timely movement of infantry, tanks and other armoured vehicles.

9 Engineer Regiment, popularly known as the “Thambi Regiment” because of its predominantly Tamil composition, was entrusted with vital engineering tasks in support of the advancing formations. Its three field companies were assigned to the three infantry brigades of 54 Infantry Division. The regiment was responsible for developing operational tracks through difficult terrain, breaching enemy minefields and facilitating the movement of troops and armoured vehicles. These tasks demanded exceptional technical skill, determination and courage, as the engineers had to work under the constant threat of enemy fire while operating in unfamiliar and heavily mined areas. On 15 December 1971, an engineering task force comprising three units was grouped with 47 Infantry Brigade to facilitate the crossing of the Basantar River in the Lagwal area. The assignment was particularly challenging, as it required the construction of an operational track from Lohara to Lagwal, the breaching of enemy minefields and the preparation of crossing points over two marshy nullahs. The successful completion of these tasks was essential to enable the armoured formations to advance and consolidate their position on the far bank of the river.

The engineering work commenced at approximately 8 PM under heavy Pakistani artillery fire. Maj Vijay Rattan Chaudhary, who was leading the task force, faced the formidable challenge of breaching the minefield and opening a safe passage for tanks and other armoured vehicles. Intense shelling, coupled with inadequate information about the enemy's obstacles, complicated the operation and created considerable uncertainty. With little time available for reconnaissance, Lt Col B  Pandit, the Commanding Officer of 9 Engineer Regiment, decided to send a small reconnaissance party under the leadership of Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta to obtain vital information about the ground situation and enemy defences.Displaying remarkable courage, composure and a strong sense of duty, Capt Gupta ventured into the hazardous area and successfully returned with crucial information by approximately 9:30 PM. His timely reconnaissance helped the engineers better understand the obstacles confronting them and supported the efforts to clear the route for the advancing armoured forces. His actions reflected the initiative and professional commitment expected of an engineer officer operating in the midst of an intense battlefield. On 16 December 1971, two companies of 17 Poona Horse confronted and repulsed Pakistani armoured counterattacks on the western bank of the Basantar River. During these operations, Capt Gupta played an important role in guiding the tanks through the cleared minefield lane, helping them negotiate the dangerous terrain and continue their advance. His contribution demonstrated the indispensable role of combat engineers in armoured warfare, where even the most powerful tanks depended on safe passage through minefields and other obstacles to exploit their combat potential.

Tragically, on 17 December 1971, at approximately 4 PM, Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta and a few other soldiers went to meet the regiment's Second-in-Command, Maj Vijay Rattan Chaudhary. During this visit, they were struck by an enemy missile, with devastating consequences. Capt Gupta succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, along with Maj Vijay Rattan Chaudhary, Maj S. S. Mallik and 2nd Lt K. M. Mandanna. Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta was only 26 years old when he laid down his life in the service of the nation. Throughout the Battle of Basantar, he demonstrated courage, professional competence and an unwavering commitment to his responsibilities. From undertaking a dangerous reconnaissance mission under heavy enemy fire to guiding tanks through a cleared minefield, he exemplified the spirit of an officer who led from the front and placed the mission above personal safety. The extraordinary contribution of 9 Engineer Regiment during the battle earned it enduring recognition. In honour of its remarkable performance, the regiment came to be associated with the name “Basantar Regiment” and was awarded the Battle Honour Basantar and the Theatre Honour Punjab. Capt Gupta's sacrifice remains an integral part of this proud legacy, commemorating the courage and dedication of the engineers whose efforts helped Indian forces achieve their objectives in one of the decisive battles of the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Capt RN Gupta was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his extraordinary courage, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice. Capt RN Gupta is survived by his brother, Virender Nath Gupta, who also passed out of the National Defence Academy with the 35th Course and went on to serve in the Indian Navy. He served during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and is now settled in the USA.

The citation for the Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:

Capt Ravinder Nath Gupta's final resting place is at Garrison Graveyard Jammu. He continues to be a source of inspiration for 9 Engr Regt and Madras sappers.