President Droupadi Murmu Awards Wing Commander with Vayu Sena Medal for Heroic Flood Rescue

President Droupadi Murmu has bestowed the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe for his exceptional bravery in rescuing 1,002 people during severe floods in Kangra district, HP. Agashe's meticulous planning and precise operations were crucial in saving numerous lives.

President Droupadi Murmu has conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe, who commands a helicopter unit. The prestigious award was given on the eve of India's 78th Independence Day.

According to a Defence Ministry release, heavy rains on August 23 led to the opening of flood gates at Maharana Pratap Sagar, inundating villages in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Air Force was assigned to carry out Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations to rescue stranded residents.

Wing Commander Agashe, supported by his team, meticulously planned the high-risk rescue mission, involving Garud Commandos for winching operations. Upon arrival, Agashe coordinated extensively with district authorities. His aerial reconnaissance revealed hundreds stranded on rooftops. Displaying superlative flying skills, Agashe executed precise hovering maneuvers over precarious terrains to rescue 42 individuals initially.

The mission required prolonged, precise hovering over rooftops and marshy lands, under extremely challenging conditions. Each sortie involved 15 to 20 minutes of exact hovering, demanding high concentration. Agashe's effort saw heart patients, pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and especially abled individuals among the 1,002 lives saved.

Given his meticulous planning and courageous operational execution, Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry, recognizing his exceptional bravery and professional competence.

(With inputs from agencies.)