Heroic Flood Rescue: Junior Warrant Officer Vikas Raghav Awarded Vayu Sena Medal

President Droupadi Murmu has honored Indian Air Force's Junior Warrant Officer Vikas Raghav with the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his exceptional bravery during a perilous flood rescue mission in Kangra, where he and his team saved 494 lives, including 152 people he personally brought to safety.

President Droupadi Murmu has conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) upon Indian Air Force Junior Warrant Officer Vikas Raghav for his exceptional courage during a challenging humanitarian operation in Kangra on August 15, 2023. Facing severe floods, Raghav led a heroic rescue mission, saving a total of 494 lives and personally ensuring the safety of 152 individuals.

According to a Ministry of Defence press release, JWO Vikas Raghav, who is stationed with a Garud Flight, volunteered to lead the rescue mission. Amidst the operation, he demonstrated remarkable bravery by winching down on a rooftop to save a paralyzed 68-year-old patient, a mother with an eight-day-old infant, and two expectant mothers needing urgent medical evacuation.

Raghav's resourcefulness was evident as he improvised a harness for the paralyzed patient and carefully secured the infant without a harness to avoid choking hazards. He also safely evacuated the expectant mothers and performed another sortie to rescue four more infants using a tactical belt. His actions, lacking standardized procedures, showcased unparalleled bravery, leading to the medal's award.

(With inputs from agencies.)