NEW DELHI: Retd. Major General Vijay Joshi, the Commandant of the Military Command Hospital in Udhampur during the Kargil War 1999, on Friday recalled about a significant visit made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the same year to meet with the injured and war-weary soldiers in Kashmir, when he was the National General Secretary of Bharatiya Janta Party’s (BJP).
Recalling the moments, (Retd.)Vijay 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,” Joshi added.
Joshi said PM Modi‘s efforts and “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.”
“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 added.
During his visit, one of the primary focuses was to gain insights into the intricacies of the battles and the personal circumstances of the soldiers and their families.
“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,” Joshi said.
The Military Command Hospital in Udhampur, being the largest hospital in the Northern Command, played a crucial role in providing medical assistance to the sick and wounded soldiers during the Kargil war.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated every year on July 26, marks the triumph of Operation Vijay in 1999. India pays tribute to the valor and dedication of its armed forces on the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day serves as a reminder of the brave soldiers who fought courageously during the Kargil conflict, as the entire nation unites to honor their memory.
PM Modi traveled to Drass earlier today, where he paid homage at the Kargil war memorial.
(With inputs from agencies)
Recalling the moments, (Retd.)Vijay 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,” Joshi added.
Joshi said PM Modi‘s efforts and “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.”
“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 added.
During his visit, one of the primary focuses was to gain insights into the intricacies of the battles and the personal circumstances of the soldiers and their families.
“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,” Joshi said.
The Military Command Hospital in Udhampur, being the largest hospital in the Northern Command, played a crucial role in providing medical assistance to the sick and wounded soldiers during the Kargil war.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated every year on July 26, marks the triumph of Operation Vijay in 1999. India pays tribute to the valor and dedication of its armed forces on the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day serves as a reminder of the brave soldiers who fought courageously during the Kargil conflict, as the entire nation unites to honor their memory.
PM Modi traveled to Drass earlier today, where he paid homage at the Kargil war memorial.
(With inputs from agencies)