• Know why Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa the Param Vir Chakra. It includes the Battle of Sirijap Post.

This is sixth in a series of PVC awardees, the first five being on Major Somnath Sharma, Piru Singh Shekhawat, Rama Raghoba Rane Karam Singh and Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria

This article was first published in the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Journal. 

A Battle against the Odds

High in the cold, windswept mountains of Ladakh, near the shimmering waters of Pangong Lake, stood a small and vulnerable military post—Sirijap-1. In October 1962, this remote outpost became the site of one of the most remarkable defensive actions in Indian military history.

At its helm was Major Dhan Singh Thapa of the First Battalion, Eight h Gorkha Rifles. With just 28 soldiers under his command, he faced an enemy force numbering in the hundreds. The terrain was unforgiving, the weather harsh, and reinforcements uncertain. Yet, Thapa stood firm.

He was not a man driven by fame or recognition. His leadership was quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in responsibility. He shared the hardships of his men, moved among them in moments of crisis, and inspired confidence when the situation seemed hopeless. It was this calm courage that turned an isolated post into a symbol of resistance.

Early Life and Formation of Character

Dhan Singh Thapa was born on April 28, 1928, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, into a family of Nepalese origin belonging to the proud Gorkha community. From an early age, he was shaped by values of discipline, humility, and service.

Growing up in the hills, he developed physical endurance and mental toughness. He was fond of outdoor activities particularly football, in which he excelled. Sports taught him teamwork, fairness, and perseverance—qualities that later defined his leadership style. He was

known among his peers as dependable and principled. He stood up for others and believed in doing what was right, even when it was difficult. Stories of Gorkha bravery and sacrifice deeply influenced him, planting in him a strong desire to serve the nation.

A Soldier of the Gorkha Rifles

On August 28, 1949, Thapa was commissioned into the 1/8 Gorkha Rifles, a regiment renowned for its courage and loyalty. The Gorkhas are legendary soldiers, known not only for their battlefield skills but also for their unwavering sense of duty. Their motto—Kafar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to die than live like a coward)—reflects their spirit.

Thapa embraced this ethos fully. He trained rigorously, mastered the demands of mountain warfare, and developed a leadership style based

on trust and shared hardship. He ate with his men, trained alongside them, and never asked them to face dangers he would not face himself.

His calm temperament and firm resolve earned him the respect of his seniors and the deep loyalty of his soldiers. Over time, he became known as a leader who inspired confidence not through words alone, but through action.

He married Shukla Thapa, and together they built a family with three children—Poornima, Poonam, and Param Deep. Despite the demands of military life, he remained deeply devoted to his family.

Background to the 1962 War

In the years following Independence, India sought peaceful relations with China, even signing the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954. However, tensions gradually escalated over unresolved border disputes, particularly in Aksai Chin.

By the late 1950s, Chinese forces had begun advancing into contested territories. Diplomatic efforts failed to resolve the issue, and by October 1962, conflict erupted simultaneously in both the eastern and western sectors. Ladakh, with its rugged terrain and strategic importance, became a critical theatre of war.

Strategic Importance of Sirijap

Sirijap Post 1 was located north of Pangong Lake, overlooking a vital stretch of land that helped secure the Chushul airfield—an essential supply and defence point. Losing Sirijap would expose the region to deeper enemy advances.

Despite its importance, the post was small and poorly fortified. The rocky ground made it difficult to dig trenches, and supplies were limited. Communication depended on a fragile wireless set. In October 1962, the post was manned by just 28 soldiers of Delta Company, 1/8 Gorkha Rifles, under Major Thapa. They were surrounded by Chinese positions and fully aware of the danger they faced. Yet, their orders were clear: hold the post.

Battle of Sirijap Post Preparation

On the night of October 19–20, 1962, Thapa observed unusual enemy movement. Anticipating an attack, he quietly prepared his men. Sandbags were arranged where trenches could not be dug, weapons were checked, and positions reinforced.

Despite the looming threat, there was no panic—only determination.

First Assault

At dawn on October 20, the Chinese launched a massive attack, preceded by intense artillery and mortar fire that lasted over two hours. Explosions rocked the post, and the wireless set was destroyed early in the bombardment, cutting off communication.

Soon after, approximately 600 enemy soldiers advanced toward the post. Against overwhelming odds, the Gorkhas held their ground. Under

Thapa’s leadership, they used rifles, light machine guns, and grenades to repel the attack. Their disciplined fire inflicted heavy casualties on

the enemy. 

Second Assault

The Chinese regrouped and attacked again with even greater strength. By now, the defenders were fatigued, and casualties had begun to mount. Thapa moved from position to position, encouraging his men and reorganising their defences. His presence in the most dangerous areas boosted morale.

Once again, the Gorkhas repelled the attack, demonstrating extraordinary resilience.

Third Assault

The third attack was the most devastating. Supported by tanks and incendiary weapons, the enemy launched a full-scale assault. By this stage, ammunition was nearly exhausted, and many soldiers had been killed or wounded. Yet, the defenders refused to surrender.

They continued fighting with whatever resources remained—even picking up weapons from fallen comrades. As flames and smoke engulfed their positions, the Gorkhas charged into close combat, shouting their battle cry: “Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali!”

Thapa led from the front, fighting alongside his men and inspiring them to continue despite the dire situation.

The Final Stand

When the post was finally overrun, Thapa emerged from his trench and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Armed with a rifle and sheer determination, he fought fiercely, killing several enemy soldiers before being overpowered.

His actions delayed the enemy advance and allowed the defenders to hold out far longer than expected.

Of the 28 soldiers, most were killed in action. Only one managed to escape, while a few, including Thapa, were taken prisoners.

Captivity and Return

Initially, the Indian armed forces believed Thapa had been killed in action. He was declared a martyr.

In reality, he was captured by Chinese forces. Despite injuries and harsh conditions, he remained steadfast. He endured captivity with dignity, refusing to let his spirit be broken.

Through a small act of human connection, he managed to send word home, eventually confirming that he was alive. Diplomatic efforts led to his release in May 1963.

His return to India was emotional. He reunited with his family, including a son born during his absence, and resumed his military service with the same quiet dedication.

Param Vir Chakra

For his extraordinary bravery and leadership, Major Dhan Singh Thapa was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Initially announced as a posthumous honour, it was later presented to him in person by President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

His citation praised his “indomitable courage, leadership, and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy.”

The award recognised not just a single act of heroism, but a sustained demonstration of courage, responsibility, and selflessness.

Lt Col Thapa’s Legacy

1. His bust stands at Param Yodha Sthal in the National War Memorial, Delhi.

2. A road in Dehradun is named after him.

3. His story is featured in books such as The Brave by Rachna Bisht Rawat and Param Vir by Maj Gen Ian Cardozo.

4. Amar Chitra Katha published a comic celebrating PVC awardees that included Thapa’s story.

5. His life was depicted on national television.

6. His battalion later became part of the Mechanised Infantry, continuing its proud traditions.

Lessons from His Life

1. Courage is a choice: It means acting despite fear.

2. Duty comes first: He placed responsibility above personal safety.

3. Leadership requires presence:

a. He stood beside his men in danger.

b. Resilience sustains strength: Even captivity could not break his spirit.

c. Example inspires more than words: His actions motivated others.

d. Kindness strengthens command:

e. He led with fairness and care. His bravery was not sudden or dramatic alone—it was built through discipline, consistency, and character.

Influence on Future Generations

Lt Col Thapa’s story continues to inspire both soldiers and civilians. It demonstrates that true courage is developed through everyday actions—training diligently, supporting others, and standing firm in difficult times.

In military academies, the battle at Sirijap is studied as an example of tactical defence and leadership under extreme pressure. For young people, his life shows that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the strength to act despite it.

A Life of Quiet Strength

Beyond the battlefield, Thapa was known for his humility and compassion. He treated his soldiers with respect and led through example rather than authority.

After a distinguished career, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He passed away on September 5, 2005, at the age of 77.

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal, May 16-31, 2026 issue. This article is courtesy and copyright Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. eSamskriti has obtained permission from Bhavan’s Journal to share. Do subscribe to the Bhavan’s Journal – it is very good.