CNN-News18 Indian Of The Year: Rauf Wani And Sajjad Bhat Honoured For Heroic Pahalgam Rescue

The CNN-News18 Indian of the Year awards, celebrating the nation’s most impactful individuals, bestowed the prestigious Braveheart Indians Award on Friday upon two ordinary men from Kashmir, Rauf Wani and Sajjad Ahmad Bhat, for their extraordinary heroism during the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley this year. Their selfless actions in the face of grave danger saved numerous lives and provided comfort amid a scene of carnage.

The award recognises their courage during the horrific terror strike that occurred on April 22, 2025, at the picturesque Baisaran hilltop, a popular tourist destination. The brutal attack resulted in the death of approximately 26 tourists and local personnel, shocking the entire nation. While panic

and confusion reigned, the instinct of two local men—Rauf Wani (also known as Waheed Ahmad Wani, President of the Pahalgam Pony Association) and Sajjad Ahmad Bhat (a shawl hawker and Wani’s brother-in-law)—was to rush towards the danger.

Wani, aged 39, and Bhat, 31, were among the first civilians to reach the scene after receiving an urgent distress message. Despite the lingering sound of gunfire and the horrifying sight of bodies and bloodshed, they disregarded personal safety. Bhat, who was only weeks away from his own wedding, famously told Wani, “Life and death are in Allah’s hands. If it is meant to happen, it can happen even at home.”

Their heroic actions involved navigating a chaotic and dangerous environment to provide immediate relief. They distributed water to the injured, comforted distressed families, and personally carried wounded tourists on their backs across the difficult terrain to safety and the nearest hospitals. Bhat, in particular, was widely hailed for carrying an injured tourist single-handedly.

The men later recounted the sheer terror of the scene, with grieving wives and children wailing over their loved ones. In the initial panic, Wani and Bhat were even briefly mistaken for attackers until locals recognised Wani. Their primary motivation was an unwavering commitment to humanity and the traditional Kashmiri value of hospitality, viewing the tourists as their “guests”.

The CNN-News18 Indian of the Year award, chosen by an elite jury including respected figures like Sanjiv Goenka, DY Chandrachud, and Prasoon Joshi, celebrates individuals whose achievements inspire millions. By conferring the Braveheart Indians Award on Wani and Bhat, the jury highlighted their actions as a powerful demonstration of Kashmiriyat—the spirit of resilience, compassion, and unity—that stood tall against the perpetrators of violence. Their story serves as a poignant reminder that true heroism often emerges from ordinary citizens who choose courage over fear.