Major S Bashyam

Major S. Bashyam was born on 2 September 1932 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. He was the elder son of Shri S. Alavandar and Smt. Ramathilakam. From a young age, Maj Bashyam was known for his lively spirit, enthusiasm, and disciplined nature—qualities that would later define his military career. After completing his schooling, he joined the prestigious Presidency College in Madras, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Zoology under the University of Madras, with Botany and Military Science as his ancillary subjects. His years in college proved formative, for it was here that the foundation of his military life was laid. A member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for four years, he displayed exceptional leadership and commitment, eventually rising to the position of Under Officer—one of the highest ranks attainable by a cadet. Fascinated by the armed forces since childhood, Maj Bashyam had always dreamt of donning the Army uniform. Although he enrolled for a master’s degree in Political Science after graduation, his heart was set on a life of service and adventure in the Indian Army. Following his passion, he appeared for the selection process and was chosen to join the Military College at Dehradun (now the Indian Military Academy).

On 3 June 1956, he was commissioned into the 9th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment (9 Punjab)—a unit renowned for its gallantry, rich traditions, and glorious battle history. During his early years of service, he served in various field and operational areas, gaining valuable experience and earning the respect of both his peers and superiors. In August 1962, he joined his battalion, 9 Punjab, which had been deployed in the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)—present-day Arunachal Pradesh. The battalion formed part of the 7 Infantry Brigade, under the command of Brigadier J.P. Dalvi, tasked with defending the strategically important Kameng sector. The situation in the region was tense, as Chinese incursions along the McMahon Line had become increasingly aggressive, and the Indian troops were preparing for any eventuality. Thus, by the time Major Bashyam arrived in NEFA, he was not only a seasoned officer but also a man deeply committed to his duty—ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in one of the most testing periods of India’s military history.

Indo-China War: 21/22 Oct 1962

By the summer of 1962, tensions between India and China had reached a breaking point. After consolidating its hold over Tibet, China began asserting territorial claims over vast areas of India’s northern frontier, particularly in the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and Ladakh. To reinforce these claims, Chinese forces steadily built a network of military posts along the border, often intruding into Indian territory. India, determined to safeguard its sovereignty, responded by establishing forward posts to curb these incursions — a move that eventually led to open confrontation in October 1962. Unlike India, which was still consolidating its defences, China had been preparing for conflict for several years. It had constructed roads and airfields, developed an extensive supply network, and transformed Tibet into a strategic military hub. When the Chinese invasion began in October 1962, their forces launched simultaneous offensives along three main axes — Thag La and Walong in NEFA, and Chushul in Ladakh.

In the Kameng sector of NEFA, initial clashes erupted in September and early October 1962 in the Namkha Chu valley, just south of the Thag La ridge. Two battalions of the 7 Infantry Brigade — 2 Rajput and 1/9 Gorkha Rifles — fought a grim and courageous battle in this treacherous terrain. Despite their gallantry, they were heavily outnumbered and outgunned by the Chinese forces. As the enemy managed to infiltrate and threaten the brigade’s rear, the remaining two battalions — 9 Punjab and 4 Grenadiers — were ordered to withdraw to more defensible positions. Under these circumstances, the 7 Infantry Brigade, with 9 Punjab at the forefront, undertook a challenging march on foot to occupy defensive positions along the Namkha Chu river. On 21 October 1962, the Chinese launched a massive, well-coordinated offensive in division strength across the Kameng sector. Over the next two days, the positions of the 7 Infantry Brigade came under intense and continuous artillery and infantry attacks. Among those holding the line was Major S. Bashyam, commanding one of the companies of 9 Punjab.

Demonstrating remarkable leadership and composure under fire, Maj Bashyam led from the front, inspiring his men to stand firm against the relentless enemy assault. The soldiers of 9 Punjab, though vastly outnumbered and equipped with inferior weapons, displayed indomitable spirit and courage, refusing to yield even as the odds grew insurmountable. During the fierce exchange of fire on 22 October 1962, around 1205 hours, Maj Bashyam was grievously wounded when a grenade exploded nearby, as later recounted by an eyewitness. Despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was martyred in the line of duty. Initially reported as Missing in Action (MIA), he was later confirmed to have been Killed in Action (KIA). Maj Bashyam and his men fought with extraordinary determination amidst the most trying conditions — at high altitude, in freezing temperatures, with inadequate supplies, limited ammunition, and against a well-prepared adversary. Their steadfast courage in the face of overwhelming odds became a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Indian soldier. In making the supreme sacrifice, Major S. Bashyam upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army — of duty, honour, and selfless devotion to the nation. 

Major S Bashyam is survived by his wife, Smt Varalakshmi and daughters, Smt Vaishnavi and Smt Vaidehi.