Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia

Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia was born on 15 December 1975 in Mumbai. The younger son of Shri Harish Kapadia and Smt. Geeta Kapadia, he grew up in an environment steeped in adventure and courage—both his parents being renowned and accomplished mountaineers. Nawang and his elder brother Sonam were named after Sherpa mountaineers; his own name, Nawang, meaning “Leader of Men,” would in time become a reflection of the life he chose to lead. He completed his early education at New Era School and later at St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy, Mumbai. He went on to graduate with a Commerce degree from Jai Hind College, where he was known for his free-spirited nature, love for the outdoors, athletic drive, and natural leadership abilities.

Motivated by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to serve the nation, Nawang decided to join the Indian Army after graduation. He was selected for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, where he trained as part of the 70th Short Service Commission Course(SS 70). His training further sharpened his discipline, endurance, and leadership skills. He passed out in 1999 and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion of the 3 Gorkha Rifles (4/3 GR). The 3 Gorkha Rifles is one of the most distinguished regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its fearless soldiers, high-altitude warfare excellence, and battle-hardened traditions dating back to the mid-19th century. The regiment’s motto, “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro” (“Better to Die than Live the Life of a Coward”), embodies the spirit with which its officers and men fight. On 29 October 2000, Lt. Nawang reported to his battalion deployed in Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, where it was engaged in active counter-insurgency operations. Despite being newly commissioned, he quickly adapted to the operational environment and participated in operations with remarkable dedication, courage, and clarity of purpose. His leadership, sincerity, and fearlessness earned deep respect from both his seniors and the soldiers he led.

Kupwara Operation: 10 Nov 2000

On 10th November 2000, intelligence reports alerted the security forces to the presence of a large group of heavily armed terrorists hiding in the dense and treacherous jungles of Rajwar near Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir. Assessing the gravity of the situation, the Army decided to launch a major search-and-destroy operation. Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia was tasked with leading his platoon in this challenging mission. Without hesitation, Lt Nawang and his men moved swiftly into action. Navigating through the thick, hostile terrain, his battalion successfully located a large terrorist hideout. As the troops closed in, the terrorists opened heavy and indiscriminate fire, triggering an intense gun battle. Lt Nawang’s platoon came under direct attack from a group of about eight to ten terrorists entrenched in well-concealed positions.

During the fierce exchange, Havildar Chitra Bahadur sustained grievous injuries after being hit by enemy bullets. Demonstrating remarkable bravery and selflessness, Lt Nawang immediately rushed forward under heavy fire to rescue his wounded comrade. With covering fire from his men, he advanced fearlessly, returning fire at the terrorists. However, in the midst of this heroic act, a hidden terrorist opened fire from close range, fatally wounding Lt Nawang. Even as their young officer fell, his courage and leadership ignited the fighting spirit of his platoon. The battle raged on for nearly 36 hours, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, the critical wounding of two others, and the recovery of a large cache of weapons and ammunition. At just 24 years of age, Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army—displaying supreme courage, indomitable will, and selfless devotion to duty. His gallant actions and unwavering spirit in the face of danger inspired his men to accomplish their mission and continue the fight with renewed determination. 

Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia is survived by his father, Shri Harish Kapadia, and his elder brother, Shri Sonam Kapadia. While the family carries the immense pride of his service and sacrifice, they also continue to inspire others by keeping his memory and ideals alive.

• Lt Nawang’s name is inscribed at the Phalam Bahadur memorial ,which has the names of those who have displayed ultimate devotion to duty, their unit and to the country
• 4/3 Gorkha Rifles Martyrs’ Garden bears Lt Nawang Kapadia's his name along with other martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.
• In order to train the soldiers when they start their Counter Insurgency tenure in the Kashmir Valley, the Corp has established a Battle School. The Battle School has instituted the “Nawang Trophy”  in his honour which is awarded to the best performer in the course.

Monday

25th October 1999

After two weeks of celebrations and farewell, the time has come for the final goodbye. It all started with filling up the form and getting it attested in college and then came the written test in Oct. Then the good news of the clearing that too. The journey to Allahabad, full of anticipation and HOPE. I met Nikhil Pillay, Shiby, Tall and Manish. Screening was very confusing. No one knew who was right and what was ’right’. Made it through that and was in the last 15 out of 66. Start out with the physiological tests and mathematical abilities test. Move on the Situation Reaction Tests and so on. I think I made good friend with the other 14 in the days that we spent together. Command Tasks and group discussions were so much fun. One of the group from Rajasthan had some very serious views on marriage and wife. But it always take all to make the world. I think I did OK in the Command Task. No one really dominated them anyway. The next day during the snake race etc. I was OK again. It is all so new and so much like a game, so much fun. I have a good interview! Col. Mohan I am sure was impressed. He asked me all about HBK, SHK, GHK and how argued with them and my views on reservation etc. I managed 9 out of 10 in individual obstacles which was better than most. Always think toe! It always helps. MADE IT! Now chest no 13, Kapadia Nawang R. No. 020327, RSNL : 70325 is selected to proceed for medical tests!

UNFIT DNS (L), Squamous Blepharitis and overweight!

Back in Mumbai after a trek to Kinnaur. Went and got the DNS operation done and also got the eyes checked. INHS Ashvini cleared me in 2 but am still overweight. Now, what? Is this the end? Sardarji messes up paper. Sends them to Delhi when they need to go to Pune. I go on a strict diet and jog daily, touching 6-10kms. Help and good wishes of people are always there. Discover the pleasure of jogging at PDP. Feels good being able to jog 6-8 km in once evening or morning. Sqn Leader Walter Mascerhanes helps. Shows very easy looking but effective exercises.

Papers mixed up. No correspondence from Army. What is happening? Go to Pune, all set to be weighed along with Arif Pathan. Nothing happens. They have no news about anything. What do now? Ashivini has sent the papers to Rtg Division. Major Aman Nugyal helps. I call up Rtg Director they give some more confusing signals. Am helpless. Decide to fly to Delhi and try and clear out some things myself there. Stay with Aman and Anjali. Met Rtg Division and he tell me it is all now in the handles of the Medical Director (DGNS) Col Pradhan, great guy. Very helpful. Orders my medical in Delhi itself. Things seem to be moving now. At last. Met Tally in Delhi. He has helped so many people he is now a hospital expert. Knows whom to meet, pamper and keep happy. I spent most of my time waiting to be checked and then finally cleared it. One whole week in anticipation of being weighted and then on a Saturday I was finally weighted.

It was party time then onwards. Starting at home with pizzas with Nikhil and Tally. Then next day a big breakfast with Gen Nugyal and family. Next 2 days spent just waiting for my Medical Board and drinking beer and parting. Back in Mumbai!!

Went to the Thai Pavallion with Ma, Sonam, Reshma, Arif, Suhail and the Doc. Had a great time. This signalled the beginning of partying in Bombay. Then over the next month went for dinner to Rodhan Kaka’s house, Dr. Burjor, Mrinal’s had a farewell dinner at home with all the ‘Mountaineers’ gang and more biryani at the Pathan’s residence, lunch with Siddhanand Bhauji, dinner with Aruna Maushi and Anju Maushi, dinner with friends at home and lunch with Savita Maushi and huge ice-cream desserts with friends. In between went to Ratnagiri where Mrinal and Angya were doing their internship. Had a wonderful time.

So all this finally lead to the 25th October when I caught the train from VT for Chennai. There were 2 more guys in the same train also going to Officer’s Training Academy (OTA). The next whole day in train and then Chennai. 80-90 guys from all over India were present, met Tally once again.

The rest of the diary can be read at his memorial site http://www.nawang.com/nhk_diary.htm