NEW DELHI, Feb 10:
The condition of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, who survived a six-day burial under an avalanche in Siachen, deteriorated today at the Army’s RR Hospital here, even as the entire nation right from the top political leadership to Mumbai’s iconic Dabbawala prayed for the braveheart.
“His condition has deteriorated despite aggressive therapy and supportive care,” said the medical bulletin, issued by the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) here in the evening.
“He continues to remain extremely critical with evidence of oxygen deprivation to brain on CT scan… there is evidence of pneumonia in both lungs… his multi-organ dysfunction state continues unabated,” the bulletin said.
Koppad, who was rescued on Monday from an altitude of 20,500 ft by a team of over 150 soldiers, was brought in here yesterday.
He and nine other soldiers of the Madras Regiment, were struck by an avalanche on February 3 morning. Hanumanthappa survived under 35 feet of snow for more than five days, before he was pulled out on Monday, after the Army’s sniffer dogs helped in sensing his presence there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Army chief Dalbir Singh and a galaxy of dignitaries had rushed to the hospital here yesterday itself, to see the survivor and inquire about his health. His family, including his wife, have also reached here.
Meanwhile, entire nation is praying for his well-being and early recovery. Mass Prayers were held today for Hanumanthappa in Siddhivinayak Temple of Mumbai. Mumbai’s famous dabbawala (tiffin suppliers) also performed mass prayers for the brave soldier. Students in Dharwad (Karnataka) offered special prayers for him.
People performed yagna in Varanasi for his long life, even as prayers were held at a number of places in the country, including Gorakhpur and Jammu. In Bhopal, Youth Congress activists prayed for the well-being of Hanumanthappa. Many from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai went beyond the prayers and offered to donate body organs, if needed for the recovery and survival of Koppad.
A retired CISF Head Constable Prem Swaroop offered his kidney to the Lance Naik, while a Thane resident Raju, had conveyed to doctors at the Army Hospital (R&R) for his willingness to donate any organ, including liver and kidney, if needed, for saving Hanumanthappa’s life.
A woman Nidhi from Lakhimpur Kheri (UP), whose husband also runs a crusade for awareness for organ donation, also made a similar offer for donating her kidney. In Odisha, Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture to pray for the speedy recovery of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa.
Meanwhile, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi has written a letter to Hanumanthappa’s mother, hailing her son’s deed and wishing for his long life and early recovery.
Meanwhile, Kerala Government today sanctioned Rs 25 lakh to the family of Lance Naik V Sudheesh, hailing from the State, who was killed in the avalanche at Siachen.
Talking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said besides the financial assistance, Sudheesh’s wife will be given a Government job.
He said according to information received by the State, the body of the soldier would be brought here tomorrow.
Sudheesh hailed from Manrothuruthu in Kollam district. (PTI)
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