The Daredevil Rescue

Stranded in war torn Sudan, Dreading yet another dawn. In Wadi Sayyidna town, Hopelessness was weighing down. Men and women, young and old, Watched the civil war unfold. Homeless, desperate, full of fear, Longing for their near and dear. Then on 27th April night, A C-130J took flight. Manned by pilots skilled and brave, Tasked to rescue and to save. They were flying almost blind, No navigation aids would they find. Degraded strip, no landing lights In the darkness of the night. Infrared sensors scanned the ground; No inimical force was found. Using goggles for night vision, Thay carried out their tough mission. An enthralling tale had begun; Six score passengers and one Shepherded onto the plane. Headed for their homes again. Valor of the highest kind, Audacity was redefined. The Hercules and its brave crew Achieved a feat of derring-do. India's vaunted military might, Wrote another chapter bright In our valiant history; There for all the world to see. Written by Colonel Ramanan Duraiswami AMC,Rtd 29th April 2023.