Daijiworld Media Network - Bhuj

Bhuj, May 30: Remembering the heroic spirit of 300 women from Madhapur village who rebuilt the bombed Bhuj airstrip in just 72 hours during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 13 surviving ‘Virangana’ women during an event in Bhuj.

“These women rebuilt the runway in 72 hours, enabling our air attacks to resume. I am fortunate to receive their blessings today,” PM Modi said.

The ‘Viranganas’ presented the PM with a sapling of the sindoor (vermillion) tree, symbolizing the military operation ‘Sindoor,’ which will be planted at his residence in New Delhi.

Shambai Bhanderi, one of the brave women, recalled working under the constant threat of Pakistani jets overhead and expressed willingness to serve the Army again despite her age. “If called, I will take my children and grandchildren to help,” she said.

Eighty-year-old Kaanbai Virani echoed this patriotism, recalling how fear gave way to determination as they worked long hours to complete the repair. “If needed, we can still step up to save our country,” she affirmed.

The women also fondly remembered PM Modi’s warm greetings and concern for their wellbeing during their meeting, underscoring the lasting bond between the nation’s defenders and its leaders.