It all began on Baisakhi, 35 years ago but the occasion was anything but celebratory—altitudes in excess of 20,000 feet, rarefied air, sub-zero temperatures, treacherous terrain and weather that could fluctuate any moment. On April 13, 1984, Operation Meghdoot was launched—India’s longest military deployment, one that continues to date. The idea was to take control of the Siachen glacier to prevent any Pakistani misadventure. So what was it like to be pitted against those hostile conditions, armed with a soldier’s resolve and the call of duty? In this exclusive interview, Nitin A. Gokhale travels back in time with two Siachen bravehearts—Lt Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni (retd) and Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd)—who fondly recall their experiences at those dizzying heights to get India the early, first-mover advantage.
Siachen: Winning the Battle by the Skin of Teeth
About the author
2 Comments
Rabindra
An amazing saga of courage, fidelity and honour.The resolute leadership displayed by the handful of brave offrs saved Siachen from Pakistan s occupation .
They and their men’s saga of bravery, racing against time, ill clad for such hostile terrain and their tenacity to stay put till administrative back up and reinforcements arrived must be written in Golden letters in the Annals of History of Modern India.
These surviving offrs and men must not only be felicitated every year but also be sent to Schools across India, before Republic Day and Independence Day, to recount their brave deeds , to inculcate in future citizens that that they should be too be ready to commit sacrifice s to save this wonderful Republic .
Deepak Bharadwaj
Awesome interview. I have read the the book that is being referred to. Always fascinated by the bravery of our armed forces. The idea of India is kept alive by these brave and dedicated souls…Jai hind