Captain Omkar Nath Rao was born to an army officer, Colonel GV Rao hailing from Bangalore. He joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA) and was commissioned into 22 Maratha LI of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. He later underwent the young officer’s course at MHOW in 1997. In his service span, Captain Omkar had also served in Siachen Glacier. After his stint in Siachen, he joined his battalion in the Uri sector on 4th March 2000.
| Service Number | SS36810N |
| Place of Birth | Bangalore |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 22 Maratha LI |
| Regiment | Maratha Light Infantry |
| Award | Sena Medal |
| Date of Martyrdom | 11th March 2000 |
On 11th March 2000, Captain Omkar was tasked to lead a patrol in the Uri sector along the LoC. The patrol team came under attack by militants hiding in that area. Captain Omkar and his team immediately swung into action and a fierce gun battle ensued. Captain Omkar killed a terrorist but himself got hit by a bullet. Later he succumbed to his injuries and was declared a martyr.
The valiant officer who courageously led his team was awarded the prestigious ‘Sena Medal’ posthumously on auspicious Vijay Diwas, on 16th December 2000.
