New Delhi: Major General Vijay Joshi (Retd.), who oversaw the Military Command Hospital in Udhampur and was the Commandant during the historic Indo-Pak (Kargil) war, remembers an important visit that then-BJP National General Secretary Narendra Modi made to comfort wounded and weary soldiers on Friday, the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
During the Kargil War, the hospital—the biggest in the Northern Command—was at the forefront of providing medical care to the ailing and injured soldiers.
“Narendra Modi’s visit raised the josh of the soldiers,” Maj Gen Joshi recalled.
Maj Gen Joshi emphasised the visit’s impact on the jawans, saying, “Narendra Modi’s presence had a profoundly calming effect on the soldiers despite the gravity of the situation.” He talked to each of them, made them feel comfortable, and lifted their spirits considerably. There were numerous casualties; some had serious injuries, like amputations and severe burns, while others were in relatively stable condition. He deliberately took the time to get to know each person. He had ‘josh’, or energy, and was simultaneously composed, serene, and energetic.”
Maj Gen Joshi said that Narendra Modi’s “ability to relate to the soldiers was remarkable.” He recalls how they felt at ease 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,” the retired officer said.
“What stood out was Narendra Modi’s unique ability to put everyone at ease in 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,” he further said.
According to the officer, Narendra Modi’s presence “exuded true patriotism.”
“Anyone, in such a difficult situation, who comes to the battlefield to assure the soldiers of personal empathy and support is a true leader and ‘desh bhakt,’ and a true patriot,” he added.
“This sense of national support is crucial for maintaining their (soldiers’) 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.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the prime minister at the time, was accompanied by Narendra Modi, who had no official position, to assess the situation on the ground. Vajpayee’s leadership during the war was crucial, and his visit, along with Modi’s, was a significant morale booster for the soldiers.
“His goal was to understand the operational situation and the conditions affecting individual soldiers. This included assessing the support system in place, such as the Army hospital’s patient care,” Maj Gen Joshi said.
India commemorates the sacrifice and bravery of its soldiers on July 26, a historic day marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day when India successfully regained control of the high outposts that were occupied by Pakistan’s army during the Kargil War.
–IANS
