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Major General Vijay Joshi (Retd.), who served as the Commandant of the Military Command Hospital in Udhampur during the Kargil War 1999, spoke about an important visit made by PM Modi, then Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) National General Secretary, in 1999 to meet the injured and war-weary soldiers.
Today, July 26, 2024, marks a historic occasion for India, the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, when the nation pays tribute to the sacrifice and valour of our soldiers. PM Narendra Modi on Friday visited Drass and paid homage at the Kargil war memorial. Recalling the moments, Joshi said, "Narendra Modi's visit raised the josh of the soldiers." "Despite the gravity of the situation, Modi's presence had a profoundly calming effect on the soldiers. He interacted with each one, putting them at ease and significantly raising their spirits. There were many casualties, some critically injured and others in relatively stable condition. Modi made it a point to focus on each individual. He was calm, composed, and full of energy, or josh, at the same time," said Joshi. Appreciating PM Modi's efforts, Joshi stated, "His ability to relate to the soldiers was remarkable. They felt relaxed as he inquired about their families, homes, and any specific needs they had. His approach included a lot of personal touch, which was highly appreciated." Joshi reminisces that what stood out was Modi's unique ability to put everyone at ease during such difficult circumstances. This included not only the injured soldiers but also the hospital staff. He assured everyone of the support they needed, which went a long way in raising their morale. "Modi's presence exuded true patriotism," said Joshi. "This sense of national support is crucial for maintaining their morale. Knowing that the government and the people are always with them, even in the toughest times, motivates them to give their best in the line of duty," he said. Adding to it, Joshi further stated, "One of the key aspects of his visit was his interest in both the specific details of the battles and the personal situations of the soldiers and their families. Despite not holding any administrative post at that time, he accompanied the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to see the ground realities. His goal was to understand the operational situation as well as the conditions affecting individual soldiers. This included assessing the support system in place, such as the Army hospital's patient care." Notably, the Military Command Hospital in Udhampur is the largest hospital in the Northern Command and was at the forefront of providing care to the sick and wounded soldiers during the Kargil war. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. (ANI)
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