Prateek Mishra

Biography

Major Prateek Mishra was born on 11 May 1979 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his schooling at Seth M.R. Jaipuria School and later studied at Colvin Taluqdars College and Lucknow Christian College. Drawn to the Army from childhood, he pursued his dream and, after graduation, cleared the Combined Defence Services examination. He trained with the SS-74 course at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the 7 Dogra Regiment. He developed into a committed soldier with admirable field-craft, well loved by his comrades and subordinates for his warmth. Inclined towards social service, he devoted his spare time to educating children in nearby slums. In 2005, his unit was deployed in the Uri Sector of Jammu and Kashmir, engaged in counter-infiltration operations and patrols along the border. On 8 October 2005, a devastating earthquake struck the region, and Uri was among the worst affected areas. A part of the bunker where Major Prateek and his men were posted collapsed. Though initially safe, he rushed into the crumbling structure twice to rescue trapped soldiers. On his third attempt, the remaining bunker collapsed and he was buried under tons of debris. Displaying courage, devotion to duty and the highest comradeship, Major Prateek Mishra made the supreme sacrifice while trying to save the lives of his men.