November 11, 2020
20th anniversary of Lt. Nawang Kapadia’s Sacrifice for the nation
November 11th, 2020 marks 20 years since Nawang Kapadia rushed into harm’s way to rescue a solider in 2000 and to bravely face the terrorists who were looking to create havoc in India. The results of this action have inspired many during the past 20 years. It has been a source of great inspiration especially to his unit the 4th Battalion 3rd Gurkha Rifles.
During this time, the family has continuously maintained web-memorial at www.nawang.com. This web-memorial is a constant symbol of Nawang’s sacrifice. It has many memories of Nawang, it has the thoughts of family and friends and it has details of his army career.
To mark the 20th anniversary of Lt Nawang Kapadia’s ultimate dedication to the nation there have been numerous activities and updates which have been planned.
This year with COVID large gatherings are not possible so in keeping with the spirit of the times all of them are online and on virtual platforms. These will be available via the web memorial and all the social media channels of Lt. Nawang Kapadia.
The web-memorial is at www.nawang.com
These activities will continue from November 11th, 2020 until January the 26th 2021 which is which will mark the Republic day off India.
The following activities have been planned:
During his training at the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai and during his tenure with the Battalion. Nawang would regularly write letters home informing us on his progress and inquiring about our wellbeing. All these letters are made available on the website.
The diary which Nawang maintained during his training at the OTA is already available for the past few years and has become a source of reference for anyone starting out at the OTA. OTA Diary
We are immensely proud that the current passing out parade in November 2020 will have our friend from Bombay being commissioned as an officer in the Indian army. She has upheld her husband’s legacy of service and dedication. She decided to become an Indian army officer after he was killed in action in 2018.
A Graphics Library has been created in the memory of Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia by the talented team from JuteoJean.
These are graphical representations of the memories of Nawang, his experiences, and evoke a feeling of patriotism and dedication to the nation. These are available for wide usage.
These Graphics cover the life of an infantry officer, mark the memorials Lt. Nawang Kapadia all over India, his time at the Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai and the belonging that Nawang felt to the Gorkha Rifles
Remembrance Video by Honourpoint®
www.honourpoint.in is a site which is dedicated to the memory of all the soldiers of India who have given the ultimate measure of their devotion to the country. This web- memorial is the only online memorial with details of every soldier of India who has fought for the country and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Honourpoint® is going to create a Remembrance video to mark the 20th year of Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia’s sacrifice
Search and Destroy Operations Video by Brothers in Arms
‘Brothers in Arms’ is a Bombay based organization created by youthful defence aspirants to raise awareness of the Army and the important and dangerous work that they do.
Brothers in Arms will be creating a special video which will bring to life the army operation in which Nawang lead his troops from the front. Nawang was killed rescuing a fellow soldier but not before neutralizing the plans of the terrorists.
Nawang Melody by Rajeev Choudhary
A melody has been composed in memory of Lt. Nawang Kapadia.
Nawang’s friend composed Nawang Melody 20 year ago when he heard of his passing. For the last 20 years, he has been revisiting this melody, working on it and trying to complete it. For the past 20 it has never felt complete. Maybe completing this melody meant finally saying goodbye to Nawang.
This year in his 20th death anniversary he finally decided to leave the original melody alone and make this a tribute to him. The haunting notes of the Nawang Melody tug at the strings of memory and the loss of Lt. Nawang Kapadia
Nawang had visited the Himalayas many times. Two incidences during those visits are similar in nature but happened during different treks.
The dogs herding the sheep became Nawang’s friends and in some ways rescuers in this hostile terrain. His companions Mehernosh and Arnav have written the accounts of being lost in the mountains and the sheepdogs coming to their rescue.
‘Desh’ is a group which has been working tirelessly for the past many years to bring solace and comfort to the families of soldiers. We have been fortunate to receive their lovely flowers on each birth and death anniversary of Lt. Nawang Kapadia. These have been a source of great comfort and joy over the years.
In the ‘Vartalaap’ sessions, we speak of our memories of Nawang and the past 20 years without him.
Wing Commander C M Jaywant (retd) Shaurya Chkra, is Nawang’s uncle. As a fellow solider he understands the drive to serve the country and become part of a cause larger than self. He writes about his unique bond as Nawang makes up his mind to join the Army.
Lt. Col Dileep R was Nawang’s buddy at the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. During these formative years of their army careers Dileep and Nawang shared many experiences. Dileep talks about Nawang’s time during training his impressions of Nawang and how excited they were to start the life in the army
Movie of Nawang – Warrior Series (coming soon)
A few years ago, a graphic novel was created in the memory of Lieutenant Nawang Kapadia by Aan Comics. This graphic novel has received tremendous response and encouragement from the readers.
It has now been converted into a movie by Jeevanya Productions to make it accessible to a wider audience in a different format. The movie will be in seven chapters. Each of these covers a distinct part of Nawang’s life. The movie will be available for viewing on www.nawang.com and all the social media channels. The chapters are
Chapter 1 – Queen of the Battlefield
Chapter 2 – Siachen
Chapter 3 – Phor Thud
Chapter 4 – Forest of Rajwar
Chapter 5 – All Right, Here goes
Chapter 6 – Jai Mahakali
Chapter 7 – The Last Post
Nawang Before the Army by Ma (coming soon)
Nawang had an adventurous and loving childhood. He always felt a strong connection to India and everything that our great country represents. His mother Geeta Kapadia has compiled her memories of Nawang during his childhood years. These include the celebration of Independence Day in 1997, traveling as a very young boy to the Passing Out Parade at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and some incidences which are humorous in nature and bring a smile to our face even after 20 years.
Sheela Maushi Article (coming soon)
Sheela Maushi is Nawang’s maternal aunt. Nawang spend many wonderful vacations with her at the various Air Force Stations where they were posted. She recounted what happens on the first day that you are informed of the sad news and her many lovely memories including Nawang’s reactions as a child to a major military incident
Savita Maushi Essay (coming soon)
Savita Apte is the aunt of Nawang. She has created a wonderful essay on Nawang. She remembers the smile of Nawang all through his life. She beautifully captures the different expressions of the smile in the many occasions through his childhood, a young adult and a strapping youth starting out on an exciting career
Sarita Aunty Article (coming soon)
As a dear friend, Sarita Choudhary has seen Nawang grow up. She talks about her memories and her remembrances of Nawang. Coupled with a heart touching poem which she has written, these are beautifully captured in words