Siachen Soldier Hanumanthappa on Ventilator; India Prays for Hero

Prayers were performed in most parts of the country for the recovery of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa.

People from across the country pray for Hanumanthappa’s recovery. (Photo: The Quint)

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, was critical on Wednesday, doctors said, as millions across the country prayed for his recovery.

The soldier was admitted at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. Doctors had said on Wednesday evening that his condition had worsened “despite aggressive therapy and supportive care”.

Koppad is on ventilator in the ICU, where he was admitted on Tuesday.

His wife Mahadevi and two-year-old daughter Netra, were in the hospital campus, praying for his recovery – like millions all over the country.

India Prays, Offers Help

In Uttar Pradesh, a housewife from near Lucknow, sought to know how she can contact the hospital to donate a kidney to Koppad.

A former sailor, SS Raju, also expressed willingness to donate any organ of his body to save “fellow brother” Koppad.

The famed Mumbai dabbawallahs pray for Hanumanthappa’s recovery. (Photo: IANS)

Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik prays for Hanumanthappa. (Photo: PTI)

School children take part in a candle light vigil for the soldiers who died in the avalanche that Hanumanthappa survived in Siachen. (Photo: PTI)

Students of Khazani Womens Vocational Institute pray for army man Hanumanthappa Koppad in Faridabad. (Photo: PTI)

Devotees pray for Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad on the river bank of Ganga in Allahabad. (Photo: PTI)

SBI employees in Guwahati pray for Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. (Photo: IANS)

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shatrughan Sinha, Anupam Kher, Shekhar Kapur and Sunny Deol as well as cricketer Sachin Tendular said they were praying for his recovery.

(With inputs from agencies.)