Some lives are measured not by positions held, but by lives touched. The journey of Group Captain (Retd.) Gurrapu Jagadishwer Rao is one such rare story—where military excellence, social responsibility, and deep human compassion come together with quiet strength.
Born on 20 May 1959, Jagadishwer Rao began his life from humble beginnings. Joining the Indian Air Force on 13 August 1976 as a matriculate soldier, few could have predicted the remarkable path that lay ahead. Through sheer determination, discipline, and continuous learning—often while in active service—he rose through the ranks to retire as a Group Captain on 31 May 2016, completing an extraordinary 39 years and 9 months of service to the nation.
Distinguished Military Service
During the Kargil War, Group Captain Rao served through the entire duration of the conflict—from 26 May to 26 July 1999—a rare distinction in the Indian Air Force. His service during this period was officially recorded and commended, reflecting the finest traditions of the force. Over his career, he received three Military Commendations—one from the Chief of the Air Staff and two from Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief—along with the Rajbhasha Gold Shield for promoting the official language of India.
A Calling Beyond Duty: Suicide Prevention
What truly sets his journey apart is a calling he embraced beyond his formal responsibilities. From 2005 to 2016, while still in service, Group Captain Rao dedicated himself to depression and suicide prevention—a cause he has now served for over two decades.
At Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, he played a pivotal role in establishing the IAF’s Depression and Suicide Prevention Model. Recognizing the lack of professional counsellors in remote border areas, he innovated a practical solution by training volunteer Air Warriors through NIMHANS, creating a sustainable, life-saving system that continues to protect personnel today. He made himself available 24×7, openly sharing his personal contact to reach anyone in distress—often intervening directly to save lives.
Social Commitment and Grassroots Impact
His commitment extended beyond the armed forces. He initiated a Skill Development Program at Air Force Station Nagpur, training 70 underprivileged youth, became a guardian to orphaned girls, and mentored young aspirants aiming to join the Armed Forces. Even before retirement, his focus had shifted decisively toward community service.
Post-Retirement: Turning Experience into Policy Impact
After retirement, while studying at the Administrative Staff College of India, he observed alarming suicide trends among farmers and students. Drawing on decades of experience, he conducted grassroots research and authored an international-standard book on suicide prevention, released by former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.
The impact was tangible. His work inspired the Telangana Government to establish India’s first 24×7 Suicide Prevention Helpline, which saved lives from day one and now serves as a model with national relevance.
Cinema for Social Change
To expand awareness, Group Captain Rao produced the film “September 10” (World Suicide Prevention Day), directed by Sai Prakash. It became the first-of-its-kind global film on suicide prevention, winning four international awards, receiving nationwide media acclaim, and earning endorsement from leading mental health professionals for its high social impact. The film was recommended for government-supported distribution and screened by institutions and NGOs across India.
Scaling Compassion: G-Jindagi Foundation
To sustain and scale his 24×7 outreach, he launched the G-Jindagi Foundation, focusing on holistic mental health and suicide prevention through team-based initiatives across the country—transforming individual commitment into an organized movement.
An Inspiring Arc
From a matriculate recruit to a Group Captain; from combat service to saving lives through compassion; from uniformed duty to policy impact—his journey is a powerful reminder that leadership does not end with retirement. To inspire future generations, he instituted the “Group Captain GJ Rao Trophy for Best in Academics” at his alma mater, encouraging excellence and aspiration among students.
A Life That Continues to Give
Even today, he continues to share his personal mobile number publicly, remaining accessible to people in distress—an act of courage, trust, and humanity few are willing to sustain for 20 years.
Group Captain Gurrapu Jagadishwer Rao’s story is not just inspiring—it is reassuring. It shows that discipline can coexist with compassion, that service can evolve into social transformation, and that one life, lived with purpose, can quietly save many others.
This is the spirit of Inspiring Stories—real journeys that remind us what service truly means.
