Kargil Hero: The Para Doctor Who Returned to Battle After Injury
On July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas, marking the victory of Operation Vijay in 1999. Among the many stories of bravery is that of Captain (now Brigadier) Jyoti Prakash, who served as the Regimental Medical Officer (RMO) of an elite PARA unit in the Mushkoh Valley.
A paratrooper by choice, Captain Prakash shared the ethos of his unit: courage, endurance, brotherhood, and mission-first commitment. During the intense fighting at Bakharwal, he sustained a through-and-through splinter injury from hostile fire. Evacuated by helicopter to a field surgical centre, his wound was cleaned and stitched. But despite excruciating pain, he boarded the next helicopter back to Bakharwal to rejoin his men.
As RMO, he provided critical medical care to injured soldiers, saving lives and ensuring the unit remained battle-ready. For a soldier, shedding blood in the line of duty is a mark of honour, but for Captain Prakash, the call of duty was stronger than his own safety.
Today, Brigadier Jyoti Prakash is Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune. Speaking on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, he emphasised the importance of being 'the healing touch, lead with calm hands and wear the uniform with pride.' His actions remain a testament to the spirit of the Indian armed forces.
Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the courage, sacrifice, and determination of all those who participated in Operation Vijay. Brigadier Prakash's story is one of many that remind the nation of the extraordinary valour displayed in the frozen heights of Kargil.
