Photographs of residents of Wayanad in July-August 2024 lining up to cheer members of the Army’s rescue team as it withdrew after successfully completing its daunting rescue task post landslides dominated social media and news networks. It was an emotional send-off from a community which lost many family members but witnessed path-breaking rescue operations. Some members of the rescue team also belonged to the region, and had close relatives who did not survive, but this did not deter them from their rescue mission.

Another recent incident was the avalanche which overran a Border Roads camp near Mana in Uttarakhand on 28 February this year, trapping 54 workers. Almost immediately, the nearest army establishments were activated and troops commenced one of their most important life-saving operations. While soldiers dug through tons of snow in sub-zero temperatures, medical teams established makeshift emergency stations hoping to save the lives of those being rescued. The Times of India stated, “The cold was brutal, the darkness absolute. Snow continued to fall, covering the treacherous terrain in a deceptive, deadly stillness. Yet, the rescuers refused to rest.”

Advertisement

This timely intervention, executed under extremely adverse conditions, saved 46 lives. Media reports mention the Army being intricately involved in the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. The Army secured vital locations, working alongside other agencies to manage large inflow of devotees and also provided medical and logistical support. Throughout, while it was omnipresent, it remained in the background, silently assisting, while giving credit to others. Army reserve columns were spread across the region, waiting to respond to any untoward incident.

Advertisement

Such is the nation’s trust in the Army that religious leader........

© The Statesman