PM tells NDRF personnel in Turkey relief operations: "You have made the country proud"
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with members of the NDRF who had just returned from Turkey where they had participated in search and rescue efforts in the wake of the earthquake on February 6.
Modi praised the work of the team and urged the NDRF to strive to be the world's top reaction force.
The 151 troops and other officials briefed the Prime Minister on their experiences with the operation under the direction of NDRF director general Atul Karwal. That was the first time the NDRF had dispatched a team overseas for rescue operations after the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Modi talked about his voluntary work during the Gujarat earthquake of 2001. "Even the hospitals in Bhuj were overflowing. I am aware of how challenging it is to clear the rubble or do human rescues. I am aware of the effort and bravery needed to participate in such rescue missions. I want to congratulate you for this. The entire country is proud of you "He informed the NDRF staff.
According to Modi, the NDRF should record the lessons that its troops learned while in Turkey. "During our conversation, I questioned you about the labour performed by other nations or the tools they employed. Each of you has a unique story. You have seen the difficulties we will face and how to overcome them. You have gained a lot of new knowledge. Everything should be recorded, "said he.
There were three NDRF teams dispatched to Turkey as part of Operation Dost in India. After the earthquake, the force assisted local authorities locate at least 85 bodies and freed two youngsters who had been imprisoned for more than 84 hours.
The PM also praised the NDRF's rescue dogs for their efforts. Romeo, Julie, Bob, Roxy, Rambo, and Honey, six of the NDRF's dogs, were credited with helping rescuers locate two 6- and 8-year-old girls who were still alive.
"You have raised the nation's pride. Your acts have demonstrated that India is always willing to assist any nation in need. When a country needs assistance, our nation prioritises helping humanity. It is impressive how quickly the NDRF arrived in Turkey. The entire nation saw pictures of your mother blessing you and another picture of you You came to the girl's aid. We were pleased with your service and expertise. I bow to you "Modi informed the NDRF group.
Modi added that India is not only self-sufficient but also a leader in rendering altruistic service to other countries during his conversation. He discussed India's assistance to the people of Ukraine, Afghanistan, Nepal, as well as the task of providing nations with medicines and vaccines.
"The Tricolor lets those outside realise that India has arrived. There is optimism for things to get better. NDRF is present everywhere, whether a cyclone, flood, or earthquake occurs. People outside of India also trust the NDRF when they see them on the ground. Expectations are high. A significant accomplishment, this. We must move on from this. We must be the best in the entire world," he continued.