Captain Gautam Mubayi MVC

Captain Gautam Mubayi was born on 2nd June 1943 in Lahore, a city that was then part of undivided India and is now located in Pakistan. He was the son of Colonel S.N. Mubayi, and grew up in a family deeply rooted in the traditions of military service. Surrounded by the ethos of discipline, duty, and patriotism from a young age, Gautam was naturally inclined toward a career in the Armed Forces. Motivated by the inspiring legacy of his family and driven by a strong sense of national duty, he joined the prestigious 23rd course of the National Defence Academy (NDA). There, he underwent rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training, forming the foundation for a future as an officer in the Indian Army. He successfully completed his NDA training and passed out in December 1962, as part of a batch of 190 cadets. Following his tenure at NDA, Capt Gautam proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, which serves as the cradle of leadership for the Indian Army. In 1963, at the young age of 20, he was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Second Lieutenant.

Captain Mubayi was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the Dogra Regiment (2 Dogra)—an infantry battalion renowned for its distinguished history, battlefield valour, and unwavering spirit. The Dogra Regiment, known for producing brave and disciplined soldiers, provided a fitting home for an officer of his calibre and dedication. By 1965, the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated into full-scale war. Captain Gautam Mubayi’s unit, 2 Dogra, was deployed in the Mendhar sector of Jammu & Kashmir—a strategically critical and volatile area that frequently came under enemy assault during hostilities. It was in this high-stakes environment, under challenging conditions, that Captain Mubayi served with courage and commitment, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Mendhar Sector Operation(J&K) : 02 Nov 1965

Following the Indo-Pak war of 1965, which was triggered on 1st September when Pakistani forces invaded the Chamb sector in Jammu and Kashmir, a series of intense battles and counter-offensives ensued between the two nations. The conflict prompted the United Nations Security Council to intervene, leading to the adoption of a resolution on 20th September 1965 that called for an immediate ceasefire. The ceasefire officially came into effect on 23rd September at 3:30 a.m. However, despite the cessation of official hostilities, sporadic skirmishes and violations continued to occur along the border. One such incident took place in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistani forces encroached upon Indian territory even after the ceasefire had been declared. The feature they occupied was of considerable strategic importance, and the Indian Army promptly devised a plan to recapture it. The responsibility for the operation was entrusted to 2 Dogra, the unit deployed in that sector. As part of the operation, a company from 2 Dogra was assigned the task of reclaiming the vital position. The assault was launched on the night of 2nd November 1965, in accordance with the detailed operational plan.

The enemy had meanwhile fortified the feature with strong defensive positions, anticipating a counterattack. Captain Gautam Mubayi, then commanding a platoon of the leading company, was at the forefront of the assault. As the company advanced, it was met with fierce enemy fire and became pinned down, unable to progress further. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the need to regain momentum, Capt Mubayi volunteered to lead his platoon forward to establish a bridgehead, a critical requirement to enable the company to move closer to its objective. The task was fraught with danger—enemy positions were heavily mined and well-manned to thwart any attempt at recapture. Undeterred by the peril, Capt Mubayi personally led his men through the hostile terrain. Crawling under intense enemy fire, he cut through barbed wire obstacles with his own hands and guided his platoon across a minefield. During this daring advance, he sustained a grievous leg injury from a landmine. Despite the severe wound, he refused to halt and continued leading his men forward with unflinching resolve.

Through sheer courage and determined leadership, Capt Mubayi succeeded in establishing the much-needed bridgehead, paving the way for the company to advance and fulfill its mission. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries soon after, attaining martyrdom at the young age of 22. Capt Gautam Mubayi’s exceptional bravery, selfless dedication, and inspiring leadership exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army. In recognition of his gallant actions and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra", India’s second-highest gallantry award in wartime.

The citation for the “Maha Vir Chakra” awarded to him reads:

On the night of 2 November 1965 a company of Dogra Regiment in which Captain G. Mubayi was commanding a platoon in the Mendhar Sector, J&K, was ordered to take possession of a strongly defended feature which notwithstanding the ceasefire had been encroached upon by Pakistani force. When the company was held up due to intensive enemy fire, Captain Mubayi volunteered to breakthrough with his platoon to establish a bridgehead. He crawled forward , cut the wire himself and led his platoon forward through the mine fields. He was wounded severely in the leg by a mine but unmindful of his injury, he kept moving forward. By this bold action, he established a bridgehead.

Captain Mubayi showed indomitable courage and inspiring leadership and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Indian Army.

• The housing project of “Gautam Nagar” in Secunderabad has been named after Captain Gautam Mubayi MVC, in his honour.