Women rebuilt Bhuj airstrip destroyed in '71 Pak attack

[jha]

Women rebuilt Bhuj airstrip destroyed in '71 Pak attack​

BHUJ: The nightmare of a squadron of Sabre Jets dropping napalm bombs on Bhuj, leaving behind a trail of destruction, is etched forever in the memory of Hiru Bhudia, 60. Bhudia was among 300 women from Madhapar who were entrusted with the task of reconstructing destroyed Indian Air Force air strip in Bhuj, in what may be termed as India's answer to 'Pearl Harbour'.

"The air strip in Bhuj was completely devastated by Pakistani bombers that dropped 14 nepalm bombs on the night of December 8, 1971. The air strip needed to be reconstructed on a war footing, and for which, officials were not in a position to wait for long. They hurriedly took a decision to get the repair work done by locals. They contacted us and we responded to the crisis in an equally quick manner," reminiscence Hiru.

The women, all daily wagers, were summoned from Madhapar village and assigned to rebuild the air strip in 72 hours. "We were instructed to cover the strip with cow dung, in order to camouflage it from the enemy's planes. While working, we had to scurry for shelter in bunkers often at the sound of siren. Taking shelter in bunkers during air strikes, we had to survive on Sukhadi' and chilli," said Viru Lachhani, another woman who toiled on the air strip.

Eventually, when the war was over, their work was recognised by the Indira Gandhi government and the women were felicitated at a public function where they were also given a group award of Rs 50,000. However, all the women unanimously agreed to spend the amount for a community hall for Madhapar Navavas Gram Panchayat.

 

[Tshering22]

Women rebuilt Bhuj airstrip destroyed in '71 Pak attack​

BHUJ: The nightmare of a squadron of Sabre Jets dropping napalm bombs on Bhuj, leaving behind a trail of destruction, is etched forever in the memory of Hiru Bhudia, 60. Bhudia was among 300 women from Madhapar who were entrusted with the task of reconstructing destroyed Indian Air Force air strip in Bhuj, in what may be termed as India's answer to 'Pearl Harbour'.

"The air strip in Bhuj was completely devastated by Pakistani bombers that dropped 14 nepalm bombs on the night of December 8, 1971. The air strip needed to be reconstructed on a war footing, and for which, officials were not in a position to wait for long. They hurriedly took a decision to get the repair work done by locals. They contacted us and we responded to the crisis in an equally quick manner," reminiscence Hiru.

The women, all daily wagers, were summoned from Madhapar village and assigned to rebuild the air strip in 72 hours. "We were instructed to cover the strip with cow dung, in order to camouflage it from the enemy's planes. While working, we had to scurry for shelter in bunkers often at the sound of siren. Taking shelter in bunkers during air strikes, we had to survive on Sukhadi' and chilli," said Viru Lachhani, another woman who toiled on the air strip.

Eventually, when the war was over, their work was recognised by the Indira Gandhi government and the women were felicitated at a public function where they were also given a group award of Rs 50,000. However, all the women unanimously agreed to spend the amount for a community hall for Madhapar Navavas Gram Panchayat.

We should specially appreciate hardwork of such unsung hero(ine)s who played in important part in defending the country. The appreciation of such people will help in trust building between the lower-economic classes of our country and stop any chances of Communist virus being spread.

 

[KEETARP]

We should specially appreciate hardwork of such unsung hero(ine)s who played in important part in defending the country. The appreciation of such people will help in trust building between the lower-economic classes of our country and stop any chances of Communist virus being spread

Nice lines

And we need Jets in MRCA , that can take off from such destroyed strips .
Sorry , can't resist ....

 

[gowthamraj]

It duty of every citizen of any country, when their country is in trouble

 

[peacekeeper]

Women can do anything if they are given equal opportunities
Hatts off them