Major Avinash Singh Bhadauria, was born on December 14th, 1971 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Though he was the son of a prominent political leader in Uttar Pradesh Ganga Singh Bhadauria, he showed no inclination to join politics. Instead, since childhood, he had a passion for armed forces and always wished to join the Indian Army. In 1990, Maj Avinash joined the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune to fulfill his dream. During his time at the NDA, Major Avinash Singh Bhadauria received the award of “Battalion Cadet Captain ” and was always an outstanding performer, excelling at his training courses.

Major Avinash Singh Bhadauria was then commissioned into 18 Madras of the Madras Regiment. Subsequently, keeping in view his training profile, he was posted at Hathigarh, a Naxalite affected area in Assam, and then to Jamnagar in Kutch near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat.  Thereafter, he was deputed to serve with 8 Rashtriya Rifles battalion, engaged in counter insurgency operations in J & K.

Maj Avinash got married to Shalini in 1997, who also joined the army later and served in the rank of Captain.

Doda Operation: Sep 2001

On September 28, 2001, Maj Avinash’s unit had received specific information from intelligence sources about the presence of some hardcore terrorists in Doda district of J & K. A decision was taken to launch a search and destroy operation to engage the terrorists under the leadership of Maj Avinash. Maj Avinash quickly assessed the situation and made out an operational to nab them. He then along with his troops swung into action and cordoned off the suspected area of the hideout.

Maj Avinash and his men soon spotted the militants, who started firing at them on being challenged. A fierce gun-battle followed and Maj Avinash fought gallantly, taking the lives of four terrorists single-handedly. However, Maj Avinash got injured in the exchange of fire and was martyred. The brave 29-year-old soldier fought till his last breath, before succumbing to his injuries. Inspired by Maj Avinash’s gallant leadership and offensive spirit, his troops successfully eliminated the terrorists and achieved the objective of the operation.  

Maj Avinash Singh Bhadauria was given the nation’s second highest peacetime gallantry award “Kirti Chakra” for his outstanding leadership, unfailing courage and supreme sacrifice.

Maj Avinash Singh Bhadauria is survived by his wife Shalini, son Dhruv Singh. At 23, Shalini found herself widowed. Her 2-year-old son had lost his father. She knew she had to be strong for him. So she decided to join the Army. Her husband’s colleagues warned her of the mental and physical challenges of the job, especially with her toddler wholly dependent on her. But she was ready to do whatever it took.   Finally, on the 7th of September, 2002, twenty days short of her husband’s first death anniversary, she was commissioned as an Officer in the Indian Army. She served in the army for 6 years, before resigning to give her son a more settled life.