President Mukherjee lauds indomitable spirit of Siachen miracle soldier

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday applauded the indomitable spirit of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa who survived in the avalanche on Siachen Glacier of February 3.

In his message to General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, the President said, “I am happy to know that Lance Naik Hanumanthappa has survived the avalanche on Siachen Glacier of February 3, 2016. I applaud his indomitable spirit and ability to endure adverse conditions,” the President said.

“Lance Naik Hanumanthappa’s will power and courage to fight all odds is truly an example to all others. I join the people of our country in praying for his early and speedy recovery,” he added.

Meanwhile, Koppad, who was miraculously found alive after remaining buried under snow for six days, is comatose and his condition is extremely critical.

Fortunately, there was no cold exposure-related frost bite or bony injuries to him, a medical bulletin issued by the hospital said.

“He has been placed on a ventilator to protect his airway and lungs in view of his comatose state. He remains extremely critical and is expected to have a stormy course in the next 24 to 48 hrs due to the complications caused by re-warming and establishment of blood flow to the cold parts of the body,” a medical bulletin issued by the Army Hospital Research and Referral said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh, had visited the soldier at the hospital earlier today.

No words are enough to describe the endurance & indomitable spirit of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. He is an outstanding soldier. We are all hoping & praying for the best,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted. (ANI)