PM Modi Meets And Seeks Blessings From Bhuj’s Brave Women Who Rebuilt Bombed Airstrip During 1971 War

Bhuj: On his first ever visit to Bhuj after India’s Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the extraordinary courage of the women from Madhapar village, who rebuilt the bombed Bhuj airstrip during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Before addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister met with some of these women, now hailed as war heroes, seeking their blessings and expressing his gratitude for their patriotism.

Recalling the dramatic night of December 8, 1971, Modi said, “We have seen how Pakistan lost its composure in response to India’s decisive actions. Even recently, on the 9th night, drones appeared near the Kutch border. It reminds us of the 1971 war, when brave women came forward to rebuild the airstrip under relentless enemy fire.”

During the war, the Bhuj airstrip was struck by bombs, heavily damaging the runway in eight places. As enemy bombardment continued, 35 attacks in just 14 days, 300 local women from Madhapar village stepped in. In just 72 hours, amid deafening explosions and life-threatening conditions, they restored the airstrip, enabling the Indian Air Force to resume operations from this crucial base.

“It is a moment of immense pride for me to receive the blessings of these women,” Modi said. “They gifted me a sapling of the sindoor tree, which will now be planted at the Prime Minister’s residence. This tree will stand tall like a banyan, a living symbol of their sacrifice.”