Captain Omkar Nath Rao SM

Captain Omkar Nath Rao was born in a military family hailing from Bangalore. Son of an army officer, Col GV Rao, Capt Omkar Nath always had the passion for Army life and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father. Following his dream, he joined the Officers Training Academy and was commissioned into 22 Maratha Li of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment known for its rich history of valour and various battle honours. Capt Omkar Nath later underwent the young officer’s course at MHOW in 1997.

Capt Omkar Nath during his short three and half years of service served in the Siachen Glacier for six months and rest in difficult areas of operation. After his tenure, in Siachen, he had the option to go to a peaceful area but he chose to be with his parent unit deployed in Uri sector along the LOC. Capt Omkar Nath was an inveterate soldier at heart and believed in leading from the front in all operations like a true military leader.

Uri Sector Operation: 11 March 2000

Capt Omkar Nath after his tenure in Siachen for six months had joined his battalion in the Uri Sector on the 4^th of March, 2000. On the 11^th of March, Capt Omkar Nath was tasked to lead a patrol in the Uri sector along the LOC. This part of LOC is very volatile and Pakistani forces often resort to unprovoked firing to give cover fire to infiltrators coming from across the border. As the Army patrol teams keep a very tight vigil along the LOC, the militants often plan surprise attacks on the patrol teams to make a successful infiltration bid. On that day, when the patrol team led by Capt Omkar Nath reached Dardkote forward post, it came under attack by the militants hiding in the area.

Capt Omkar Nath and his troops immediately swung into action and took tactical positions to repulse the attack. A fierce gun battle followed with a heavy exchange of fire. Capt Omkar Nath in a show of courage and leadership killed a militant and a Pakistani regular. However, during the exchange of fire Capt Omkar Nath got hit by bullets and was severely injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred at the young age of 26 years. Capt Omkar Nath was a committed soldier and a fine officer, who laid down his life in the service of the nation.

Capt Omkar Nath Rao has given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his courage, fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice on Vijay Diwas, 16 Dec 2000.

For his bravery and patriotism during the fatal encounter with militants, Capt Omkar Nath Rao was awarded the Sena Medal posthumously. He was awarded the medal on the 16th of December 2000, when the army celebrates the Vijay Divas.

• “He had just returned from Siachen. In fact, we didn’t even get time to talk. I thought now that he has come back to the unit we will have a good time again,” said Captain Rao’s friend and colleague, Major AP Kumar. “Perhaps I had forgotten the inevitable in a soldier’s life”.
• Captain Rao had joined the unit in Uri sector on March 4 after serving for six months in Siachen glacier. “Officers get a peace posting after serving at the Siachen but this young captain preferred to join his parent unit,” said Brigadier R K Sharma, remembering Rao as a brave young officer.
• “He always wanted his father to feel proud of him,” a colleague said.”In fact, the young officers belonging to Army families have always the penchant for sacrifice. They always want to keep the heads of their nears and dears high”.