In the remote hills of Duggan village in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, a remarkable story has emerged that showcases the profound impact of humanitarian efforts by the Indian Army. Captain Saurabh Salunkhe, a Regimental Medical Officer of the 7 SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY, has successfully given a voice to 8-year-old Akshay Sharma, who had lived in silence for nearly a decade due to a congenital condition.
Akshay’s journey began with his birth, marked by a cleft lip and palate, which not only affected his facial structure but also hindered his ability to speak. Although surgery corrected the deformity when he was three years old, his family could not afford the essential speech therapy that followed, leaving Akshay unable to communicate. His father, Kulwant Sharma, works as a civilian laborer with the Army, while his mother, Santosh Devi, manages their modest household amidst significant financial constraints. Over the years, Akshay’s silence left him isolated, causing deep heartache for his parents, who longed to hear their son speak.
Captain Salunkhe, an alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, arrived in Kathua after serving at a military hospital in Pathankot. His role encompassed both medical care for soldiers and critical outreach to local communities needing healthcare services. During a medical camp in June 2025, he encountered Akshay and immediately recognized the boy’s potential for speech with the right intervention. Realizing that no speech therapy centers were available in the village, Captain Salunkhe took the initiative to learn speech therapy techniques online. He designed a tailored program specifically for Akshay.
Over two to three hours each day for eight weeks, Captain Salunkhe dedicated himself to guiding Akshay through structured exercises. The program consisted of several stages, starting with strengthening basic muscle control and gradually progressing to recognizing sounds and forming words. His efforts culminated in an emotional moment when Akshay spoke his first words in eight years, calling out to his parents as “Mama” and “Papa.” The uplifting scene brought tears of joy to his family and inspired applause throughout the village.
The transformation of Akshay Sharma is considered “nothing short of a miracle” by Lt. Col. Suneel Bartwal. This case exemplifies Operation Sadbhavna, the Indian Army’s flagship initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare, education, and community relations in Jammu & Kashmir. Now able to speak fluently, Akshay participates actively in class at Duggan High School, evolving into a confident student and symbol of hope in the community.
Beyond just a personal triumph, this story highlights the crucial role military doctors play in challenging terrains, serving as the only healthcare providers in numerous remote border villages across India. Captain Salunkhe’s extraordinary commitment illustrates how compassion and medical expertise can bridge the gap between the armed forces and civilian populations.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the Indian Army’s dedication not only to national security but also to alleviating human suffering. Captain Saurabh Salunkhe’s efforts emphasize that some of the greatest victories are not won in battles, but rather in moments where compassion helps a child break years of silence. The sounds of Akshay’s laughter now fill his home, standing as a testament to hope, resilience, and the vital role of a doctor wearing the olive green uniform.
