Captain Harish Tak of the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps has been formally commended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his courageous and life-saving intervention during a road accident earlier this year. The incident took place on March 30, 2025, at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, when Captain Tak, while on leave, responded swiftly to save a civilian whose airway had become completely obstructed.
Demonstrating remarkable calm and medical proficiency, Captain Tak performed emergency first aid that is believed to have averted a potential fatality. According to trauma care research published by the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, such immediate action by trained responders can reduce mortality rates in airway obstruction cases by up to 40 percent.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who took office in October 2024 following Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganisation as a union territory, personally felicitated Captain Tak for his exemplary action. The commendation highlights the role of individual heroism in a region long marked by security challenges and ongoing efforts to foster civil-military harmony.
Captain Tak was seen wearing the Indian Army’s traditional Olive Green uniform during the ceremony. While the Army has transitioned to a new disruptive digital camouflage pattern in recent years for improved terrain adaptation, the OG uniform is still used in select duties and occasions, often representing legacy and tradition.
The Indian Army acknowledged Captain Tak’s selfless act as a reflection of the force’s ethos of service to the nation, both in and out of uniform. The recognition also aligns with a wider trend across global militaries to honour off-duty personnel for acts of public service, especially in life-threatening situations outside official deployments.
Captain Tak’s intervention serves as a powerful reminder of the values instilled in the Armed Forces, where duty, courage, and compassion extend well beyond the battlefield.
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