Yangon: Following the catastrophic earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, India has stepped up as a reliable partner, quickly launching extensive relief and rescue initiatives through Operation Brahma. This response has garnered significant praise from both the Indian diaspora and local communities.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with medical teams from the Indian Army and a substantial supply of humanitarian aid—amounting to 625 metric tonnes of relief materials—has significantly contributed to Myanmar's recovery efforts, especially in the severely affected Mandalay region, highlighting India's commitment as a first responder in the area.
Rajul Goenka, President of the Myanmar-India Business Chamber, emphasized the spirit of collaboration, noting that the Indian and Myanmar communities are united "during both prosperous times and even these challenging moments."
"The Indian community is collaborating closely with the Myanmar community during both prosperous times and these challenging times that Myanmar is currently facing. We are assisting the community by providing relief supplies, medicines, and manpower to support the ongoing relief efforts in Mandalay," Goenka stated.
Parthipan, Secretary of Sanatan Dharma Swayam Sewak Sangh, commended India's swift response and attributed the support and upliftment of morale during these trying times to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Currently, India has acted swiftly in response to the situation. Having been present in the region for three generations, India promptly offered assistance. The actions taken by Prime Minister Modi have significantly empowered us, he stated.
Ravindra Jain, President of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and a resident of Myanmar for 16 years, praised India's distinctive role in this effort.
"The manner in which our (Indian) government has reached out to Myanmar has garnered admiration from the local populace, who frequently commend our government for its commendable work. India stands out as the sole nation providing medical professionals here... The contributions of India are widely recognized as exemplary," Jain shared with ANI, highlighting the deployment of medical teams as a key aspect of India's support.
Dr. Ram Niwas, a social worker and professor of Sanskrit and Pali, noted the profound historical connections that underpin this assistance.
"There are longstanding ties between our two nations, with Buddhism playing a significant role in strengthening that relationship in contemporary times. India's prompt response marks a significant milestone," he remarked, viewing the initiative as a continuation of a centuries-old partnership.
This operation underscores India's dedication to being a first responder in the region, offering vital search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and disaster relief following the earthquake on March 28. The Indian Army has also established a Field Hospital to provide medical care to those affected.
As reported by the Indian Army, the medical team has successfully performed 23 surgeries, conducted over 1,300 laboratory tests, and completed 103 X-ray examinations as of Thursday evening.
As reported by Al Jazeera, referencing the nation's television coverage, over 3,000 fatalities have been confirmed in Myanmar, as the military declared a ceasefire in response to the natural disaster.
Operation Brahma represents a coordinated initiative among various sectors of the Indian government aimed at tackling the extensive destruction resulting from the earthquake and aiding in Myanmar's recovery efforts.
