About half a century ago, during the war between India and Pakistan, more than 300 women of a village in Kutch in Gujarat, regardless of the dangers and showing indomitable courage, rebuilt the airstrip of the Indian Air Force Station at Bhuj in just 72 hours which was destroyed due to bombing.
Women who are still alive in the reconstruction of the airstrip say that if needed, they are again ready to perform similar duty for the country.
The ‘Operation Sindoor’ recently run by the Indian Army against terrorist structures in Pakistan and its occupied Kashmir (PoK) reinforced incidents during the 1971 India-Pakistan War.
At that time Pakistani aircraft bombed the Bhuj airstrip, which did not use it to be used. It was required to repair and reconstruct it immediately to turn it on. In such a situation, the women of Madhapar village of Kutch took the responsibility of completing this work by risking their lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 13 of these women and took their blessings during a public meeting in Bhuj city on 26 May. These women are called ‘Veerangana’. The age of these women is over 70 years.
Madhapar village is about five kilometers from Bhuj. Bhuj is the administrative headquarters of Kutch district and it borders Pakistan. During the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, these women presented him a plant of ‘Sindoor’ which will now be planted at the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister had said in his address to Bhuj, “These women rebuilt the runway in just 72 hours which helped us to resume aerial attack.” I am lucky that he gave me his blessings today. ”
One of these courageous women, Shambai Bhanderi said that in view of ‘Operation Sindoor’, the ‘Blackout’ in the border Kutch district brought back memories of the 1971 war. He told reporters that even though his age is increasing, he and other women will not back down from serving the country if they are called again for similar work.
Bhanderi said, “The task we were assigned was not easy because we had to work in the shadow of fear of Pakistani aircraft that used to hover on us.” We pray to God that such a time never comes back. ”
He said, “But we still have passion and if the army calls us again, we will definitely work for it. Since it is difficult for me to work due to my old age, I will take my children and grandchildren with me to complete the work. ”
Kanabai Virani (80) also expressed similar views and said that if the war broke out and the country again needs the help of Madhapar’s women, then they are ready to take any responsibility. He mentioned how he had to save himself from Pakistani attackers while fixing the runway devastated by bombing.
Virani said, “We were instructed to take refuge somewhere on hearing the siren and start the work again when the siren rings.” We got scared on the first day but there was no fear the next day. We worked from seven in the morning to seven in the evening and completed the work in 72 hours. If needed, we are still ready to work like this to protect our country.
Regarding the recent conversation with Prime Minister Modi in Bhuj, Virani said that he and 12 other women of Madhapar blessed the Prime Minister and assured him of cooperation in every way. He said, “The Prime Minister greeted us on the stage and asked” Cam Chhota Badha “(how are you all?). I told them that my health is not good due to my age. He asked me to take care of himself. “
