In a dramatic race against time and treacherous weather, an 85-year-old spiritual leader from a remote Himalayan village was successfully airlifted to a major hospital, thanks to a coordinated rescue effort.

The urgent mission began in Dodra Kwar, a secluded area of Shimla district, where the elderly man’s health had been deteriorating for a week after he was paralyzed. With heavy snowfall blocking the mountain passes, his family’s appeal for help reached the local administration on January 31st.

Recognizing the critical need, the Shimla District Administration swiftly sought support from the state government, which immediately reached out to the Indian Air Force. Undeterred by ongoing snowfall, two Air Force helicopters were deployed to Dodra Kwar on Sunday.

In a carefully orchestrated operation, one helicopter carried the patient and an attendant, while a second helicopter transported his family members. Initially destined for Shimla, the pilots made a crucial in-flight decision to divert to the Post Graduate Institute (PGI) in Chandigarh due to poor visibility, ensuring no further delay.

Senior officials, including Joint Secretary Anil Mankotia and Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, played pivotal roles in coordinating with the Air Force and ensuring all medical arrangements were ready upon arrival at PGI Chandigarh, where the patient is now receiving treatment.

“When the local administration informed us, we knew immediate action was vital,” stated Deputy Commissioner Kashyap. “Despite the extreme weather in Chanshal, a collective effort ensured this life-saving airlift. Our administration remains with the family, providing all necessary support.”

This rescue underscores the challenges of healthcare in remote regions and the extraordinary collaboration between community, civil administration, and the armed forces to save a life.