Lt Col Bramhanand Avasthy was born in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of patriotism and an innate desire to serve the nation. His dedication and perseverance led him to join the Indian Army, where he was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment (2 Rajput)—one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Rajput Regiment has a long and illustrious history, renowned for its fearless soldiers and remarkable battlefield exploits. Although Lt Col Avasthy was commissioned into 2 Rajput, he later commanded the 4th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment (4 Rajput) during the Indo-China War of 1962. Under his leadership, the battalion engaged in one of the most valiant battles of the war at the Lagyala Gompa Monastery, a strategic location overlooking the Morshing Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Facing overwhelming enemy forces, Lt Col Avasthy and his men fought with indomitable courage, upholding the legacy of the Rajput Regiment. Despite the challenging terrain and adverse conditions, his leadership and tactical acumen ensured that his battalion put up a determined resistance, displaying extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity.
Beyond his distinguished military career, Lt Col Bramhanand Avasthy led a fulfilling personal life. He was married to Ms. Sushila, the daughter of Shri Pandit Sita Charan Dube and Smt Laxmibai Dube. Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with two daughters, Neeharika and Aradhana. His values of discipline, integrity, and patriotism were deeply ingrained in his family, leaving behind a legacy of honour and inspiration. Lt Col Avasthy’s courage and leadership in battle, as well as his contributions to the Indian Army, remain an enduring part of history, inspiring future generations of soldiers and citizens alike
Battle at Lagyala Gompa(Indo China War): Nov 1962
As the Indo-China War reached its peak, the 4th Rajput Battalion was deployed to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) from Belgaum. At that time, Major Trilok Nath was serving as the officiating Commanding Officer (CO) and was informed that the battalion had been assigned to the 65th Brigade under Brigadier G.M. Saeed. The battalion was tasked with securing the left flank of the Division, covering the approach from Orka La-Punsum La. However, the "C" Company was given the critical responsibility of safeguarding the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division. Recognizing the need for an experienced leader, Lt Col Brahmanand Avasthy, who was serving as an Instructor at the Infantry School in Mhow, was selected to take over as the Commanding Officer of the battalion. Widely regarded as one of the finest infantry officers among his peers, Lt Col Avasthy assumed command at a crucial juncture in the war.
The 65th Brigade included the 4th Rajput Battalion along with three Sikh battalions: the 1st Sikh, 2nd Sikh, and the 4th Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. When patrolling soldiers of 1 Sikh Light Infantry observed suspicious movements across the border, a patrol party comprising 200 soldiers from these three Sikh battalions was dispatched to investigate. The patrol team crossed the Luguthana-Kya La line and planned to ascend the nearest peak for a better vantage point. However, as night fell, they decided to establish a temporary defensive post before proceeding the next morning. Unbeknownst to them, their movements were being closely tracked by Chinese forces, who lay in wait for an ambush.Under the cover of darkness, the Chinese launched a devastating attack, resulting in the loss of 63 brave Sikh Light Infantry soldiers. The ambush sent shockwaves through the Brigade Headquarters, but the aggressive patrolling continued. Soon after, a patrol unit from the 4th Rajput under Naib Subedar Man Singh encountered the enemy at Jalak Pu.
As the battle situation escalated, the decision was made to withdraw from Sela. With the 62nd Infantry Brigade falling back, Lt Col Avasthy took a stand to defend Bridge 1, allowing the retreating forces to escape. On the morning of November 18, 1962, at 07:30 hours, the Headquarters of the 65th Infantry Brigade ordered the 4th Rajput Battalion to withdraw. By then, the battalion had consolidated elements of B Company, C Company, and D Company. Among the officers in this group were Lt Col Avasthy, Major Trilok Nath, Major Y. Tandon, Captain Dayal Singh, Captain S.K. Mitra, Lieutenant D.S. Drar, and Second Lieutenant Chatrapati Singh. With the 62nd Infantry Brigade failing to regroup, Lt Col Avasthy led his men through alternative routes, ensuring they destroyed any supplies they could not carry. The battalion moved towards Lubrang and later proceeded to Phudung, where they were joined by stragglers—many of whom were wounded. Displaying unparalleled leadership and compassion, Lt Col Avasthy personally carried a medic who had become snow-blinded.
Upon reaching Priyadung, the soldiers faced a crucial decision as the path split—one leading to the ancient Lagyala Gompa monastery, the other following a stream towards Morshing. Lt Col Avasthy chose the route to Lagyala Gompa, unaware that a formidable Chinese force of 500 soldiers was lying in ambush. Lagyala Gompa, one of the holiest Buddhist shrines in Arunachal Pradesh, stood on a high ridge overlooking the Morshing Valley. Just before the steep climb to the monastery was a plateau—an ideal location for an ambush. As Lt Col Avasthy and his men approached, they came under heavy fire from the waiting Chinese forces. Despite being outnumbered and lacking heavy firepower, Lt Col Avasthy chose to fight rather than retreat. Leading from the front, he launched a two-pronged counterattack, engaging the enemy in fierce combat. The battle raged for hours, with the determined Rajput soldiers refusing to yield. Infuriated by their resistance, the Chinese attempted to isolate Lt Col Avasthy, but his men formed a protective circle around their leader, fighting to the last man. As ammunition dwindled, the battle descended into brutal hand-to-hand combat. Eventually, the overwhelming Chinese forces prevailed, leaving the battlefield littered with the bodies of 126 valiant Indian soldiers and over 200 fallen Chinese troops.
A lone witness to this heroic last stand was a young shepherd boy, who later became the Head Lama of Lagyala Gompa. In the aftermath, the Chinese dug a mass grave for the fallen Indian soldiers, leaving behind a flattened ration tin inscribed with the names of the officers. When the war ended and a ceasefire was declared, the bodies were recovered. Among them, Lt Col Avasthy was found clutching a blood-soaked letter to his wife—a poignant testament to his love and unwavering duty. Lt Col Brahmanand Avasthy was more than just a soldier; he was a symbol of courage and leadership, embodying the highest ideals of the Indian Army. His wife Smt Sushila Avasthy, carried his legacy in her heart, expressing a final wish—to have her ashes scattered at the memorial in Lagyala, where her husband had made the ultimate sacrifice. In 2011, 49 years after his martyrdom, the men of the 4th Rajput Battalion honoured her wish, ensuring that her ashes became one with the sacred soil where her husband and his men had laid down their lives for the nation.
Lt Col Bramhanand Avasthy is survived by his two daughters Smt Neeharika Avasthy Naidu and Smt Aradhana Bela Avasthy.
Aradhana Bela Avasthy
2023 at 10:22 amAradhana avasthy sood, richmond, Virginia United States
I am his younger daughter and with my older sister will give you information we have. We are so appreciative for the scaffolding you are providing for such heroes to be remembered and honored.
Thank you!
Neeharika Avasthy Naidu
2023 at 10:23 amI am so very proud to be the daughter of this great soldier. I will give you all information that you need. I am deeply moved
ANAND MURTY
2025 at 3:12 pmDear Aradhana..n . Neeharika maam…
A big salute to Awasthy Sir…n…all the Valiant Soldiers who fought for the honour of our motherland…
I am fortunate to have paid our homage to Brave heroes… YESTERDAY..at Lagyala gompa New
Salute once again to Brave soldiers under command of Awasthy Sir…
Who laid down their lives in true traditions of OUR GREAT INDIAN ARMY..
Deg Teg Fateh
Anand Murty