Major Prateek Mishra of 7 Dogra was a committed Indian Army officer who made the supreme sacrifice while trying to save his fellow soldiers during the devastating earthquake of 8 October 2005.
Born on 11 May 1979 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Major Mishra joined the Indian Army after completing his graduation and training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. He was commissioned into 7 Dogra of the Dogra Regiment.
In 2005, his unit was deployed in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. On 8 October 2005, a powerful earthquake struck the region, severely affecting Uri and surrounding areas.
Major Mishra and his men were positioned at a forward post when the earthquake caused part of their bunker to collapse. After initially escaping the destruction, he realised that some of his soldiers remained trapped inside.
Without regard for his own safety, Major Mishra entered the damaged bunker and rescued soldiers who were trapped. When he realised that more men were still inside, he went back again to help them.
During another attempt to rescue his comrades, the remaining portion of the bunker collapsed following aftershocks. Major Prateek Mishra was trapped beneath the debris and made the supreme sacrifice while attempting to save the lives of his fellow soldiers.
His actions reflected the responsibility he carried as an officer and his commitment to the men under his command. Major Prateek Mishra is remembered for his courage, devotion to duty and selfless effort to protect his comrades in the face of danger.
