Captain Ravinder Kaura was born on 28 September 1946 in Jagraon, in present-day Ludhiana district of Punjab. He joined the Indian Army in August 1967 and was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery. He was subsequently posted to the 39 Medium Regiment, where his duties involved providing artillery support to frontline troops.
By the time of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Captain Kaura was serving as an Observation Post Officer with his regiment in the Chhamb Sector. His role required him to remain close to the forward troops, observe enemy activity and communicate accurate fire directions to the artillery batteries. This position exposed him directly to enemy fire, particularly during major attacks.
On the night of 3 December and into 4 December 1971, Pakistani forces launched repeated assaults against the Indian position in the Chhamb area, supported by heavy artillery fire. Captain Kaura continued performing his observation and fire-control duties despite the intense bombardment. He repeatedly exposed himself to danger to obtain a clear view of the battlefield and direct artillery fire against the attacking forces. He also encouraged the troops defending the position to maintain their resistance.
During the fighting, Captain Kaura was struck by an enemy shell and was officially recorded as killed in action. His conduct during the battle was subsequently recognised with the **Vir Chakra**, awarded posthumously for his courage, determination and leadership. His case also became part of the long-running issue surrounding the Indian personnel from the 1971 war who were officially reported missing or killed but were later alleged by various sources to have survived in Pakistani custody.