Remembering Lance Naik Hanumanthappa, the gritty 'Miracle Man' who knew no fear

World's highest battlefield Siachen is also the deadliest. The sub-zero temperature, harsh terrain and a hostile neighbour make Siachen one of the most challenging deployments for the Indian Armed Forces. But despite adversities, the Indian Army has stood resolute, and from the freezing heights of Siachen have emerged tales of grit and valour.

One such story is that of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad.

During his 13 years in the Army, Lance Naik Hanumanthappa had served in various operational areas amid demanding conditions. He was earlier posted in Jammu and Kashmir from 2003 to 2006, where he was actively part in counter-terrorist operations. 

Later, he was posted with the 54 Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir from 2008 to 2010, and then in the northeast from 2010 to 2012 where he took part in operations against insurgents.

In August 2015, he was deployed at Siachen.

Nicknamed 'Miracle Man', Lance Naik Hanumanthappa was rescued after being trapped for six days beneath the snow after an avalanche struck his post at 19,600 ft on the Siachen Glacier. 

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa brought the nation together in their prayers for him. 

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa of the 19 Madras regiment was manning his post overlooking Pakistan when on February 3, 2016, when a snow avalanche struck the Indian Army post. Lance Naik Hanumanthappa and 9 other Indian soldiers were buried under 25 feet of snow.

The Indian Army swung into action and launched a massive rescue operation. But it took them 6 days to locate and rescue Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. 

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa miraculously survived despite being buried under snow for nearly 6 days. He was flown to New Delhi and was treated at the military hospital in Delhi. 

The nation prayed for Lance Naik Hanumanthappa's recovery. However, the valiant soldier's battle for life came to an end on February 11. He succumbed to multiple organ failure. 

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa was a valiant and committed soldier who laid down his life while serving the nation. He was decorated with the Sena Medal for his bravery, commitment, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

He is survived by his wife Mahadevi and daughter Netra.

5 years on, the Flags of Honour Foundation remembers Lance Naik Hanumanthappa and his tale of bravery, service and sacrifice.

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• 54 Rashtriya Rifles
• Indian Armed Forces
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Lance Naik Hanumanthappa
• Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad
• World's highest battlefield Siachen
• 19 Madras regiment
• Flags of Honour