In an act that signifies the true essence of humanity and brotherhood, India, under the banner of 'Operation Ajay,' has made commendable strides in rescuing its citizens and others from the tumultuous region of war-stricken Israel. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again showcased its commitment, not just to its own, but to the global community at large.

On the night of 17th October, amidst the echoing sounds of warfare and chaos, a beacon of hope landed in Israel. An Indian flight, part of 'Operation Ajay', touched down, not just to bring back its own nationals but also to extend its arm of safety to 18 citizens of Nepal, a close neighbour.

The plane that took off from Israel was the fifth of its kind in this operation, bearing on board 286 souls, desperate to touch their homeland's soil. 268 of them were Indian nationals, while the rest were our Nepali brethren. Upon their arrival in New Delhi, Union Minister L Murugan was present to welcome them, his pride evident in his words. He emphasized India's proactive stance, stating, "This is the fifth flight, and we have already brought 1180 people back home. We are the first country to start the evacuation, and we are also bringing people belonging to our neighbour countries..."

India's efforts not only underline its capability and commitment to safeguard its citizens but also highlight its age-old belief in the Sanskrit saying, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - the world is one family. The fact that India is extending its evacuation operations to citizens of Nepal is a testament to its unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and its role as a regional leader.

The ongoing conflict in Israel has raised global concerns, with nations scrambling to ensure the safety of their citizens. Amidst this, India's swift and inclusive action stands out, showcasing its diplomatic prowess and its heart, always beating in unison with its age-old ethos of universal brotherhood.

Ambika, one of the Nepali evacuees, painted a harrowing picture of the on-ground reality in Israel. Speaking to ANI, she recounted, "The situation in Israel is dangerous. We were scared, there were explosions." Her voice choked with emotion as she expressed her gratitude to the Indian government, emphasizing that many of her compatriots still remain stranded in the volatile region.

The concerns of the Nepali citizens were echoed by Nepal's Ambassador to Israel, Kanta Rizal. She revealed to PTI that a significant number of the 18 evacuated Nepali individuals were residing in high-risk zones. Reflecting Nepal's proactive approach, she mentioned, "We sent 254 Nepalese citizens on the Nepal Airlines on October 12 and may look to arrange more flights to take them out."

The Indian efforts have been spearheaded by a dedicated team, with Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, providing regular updates. He confidently declared the readiness of the Indian government to operate additional flights, contingent on the evolving situation in Israel. Reiterating the proactive nature of the Indian response, he stated, "As of now, 5 flights have come and if required we will operate more flights on the basis of the situation that emerges. During the last, almost 4-5 days, we have flown aircraft from Israel to India."

Muraleedharan also touched upon the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Israel, a testament to India's proactive and protective stance towards its citizens in the face of conflict.

The Unyielding Spirit of Indian Caregivers in Israel

In times of crisis, tales of courage and resilience often emerge, casting a glimmer of hope against the backdrop of despair and chaos. The recent Hamas attack in Israel brought to light the incredible bravery of Indian caregivers, exemplifying their dedication and unwavering spirit.

India's proactive approach in evacuating its citizens from the conflict-ridden region has been well-documented. "The Indian Embassy is taking the call on who all have to travel to India based on the requests of the people and their ground situation there," said Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, emphasising the careful and calculated approach of the embassy in ensuring the safety of Indian nationals.

Last week's chartered flights from Tel Aviv, bringing back a total of 906 passengers, were filled not just with relieved evacuees, but also with stories of unparalleled courage. Among them was Sabitha from Kerala, who shed light on a harrowing encounter with Hamas terrorists.

Israel in India, in a post on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), hailed Sabitha and Meera Mohanan as "Indian superwomen." The post contained a video where Sabitha narrated the terrifying incident. She spoke of how she and Meera valiantly held a door handle, preventing Hamas terrorists from entering and harming the Israeli civilians they were caring for. Sabitha, who has been a caregiver along the border for over three years, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who risk their lives for the well-being of others.

Such acts of valor showcase the deep-seated values of sacrifice, commitment, and bravery, emphasizing the global importance of solidarity and humanity, even amidst the direst of situations.

Sabitha, a native of Kerala, recounted her bone-chilling experience. "I and Meera were on duty, tending to an elderly woman diagnosed with ALS. The tranquility of the evening was abruptly shattered by the blaring sirens. Panic ensued, and in the ensuing chaos, we rushed to the safety room," she narrated.

The ordeal wasn't over. The elderly woman's daughter's voice pierced through the panic, urging them to lock all doors. But the semblance of safety was short-lived. "Terrorists stormed into our abode, their gunfire echoing and glass shattering all around," Sabitha continued. But amidst the mayhem, a glimmer of hope emerged as the sirens blared again. "The head of the household informed us that the Israeli army had arrived. We never anticipated such a turn of events, with the aftermath revealing devastation beyond imagination."

Yet, amidst the stories of horror, stories of reunion provide solace. Rahul, hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, found himself stranded in the early days of the conflict. Today, he stands as a testament to endurance and hope, having reunited with his loved ones after enduring the unimaginable.

The tales of Sabitha, Meera, and Rahul serve as poignant reminders of the indomitable human spirit that shines even in the darkest hours, echoing the sentiments of resilience, bravery, and the enduring hope of return.

When adversity strikes, every moment becomes a test of patience and endurance. For Rahul, a PhD student in Pharmacy, his journey in Israel was expected to be an academic pursuit. However, destiny had a different script in store.

"I embarked on this journey to Israel last December, with hopes and aspirations tied to my PhD," Rahul recalled. His voice carried the weight of the harrowing experiences he faced in the past months. "A day before I was to fly back to India, chaos erupted. On October 7th, just half an hour before takeoff, my flight was cancelled, leaving me stranded and clueless."

But amidst the rising despair, 'Operation Ajay' emerged as a beacon of hope. "When I learned about this operation aimed at repatriating stranded Indians, I immediately registered. The relief of finally getting a chance to come back home is indescribable," he expressed with a sigh of relief.

Rahul's return was not just a personal victory but also a testament to the relentless efforts of the Indian government in ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad. His father, overwhelmed with emotion, shared his gratitude, "Our family is eternally thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration. They acted promptly, turning our worst nightmares into a distant memory. Today, as I see my son beside me, I realize the profound impact of effective governance."

The stories of Rahul and many like him underline the government's unwavering commitment to its people, showcasing India's determination to stand strong, even in the face of adversity.

The relief of a mother, knowing her child is safe, is immeasurable. Rahul's mother, having endured days of apprehension amidst the escalating conflicts in Israel, finally breathed a sigh of relief. "The tension due to the Israel and Hamas conflicts was palpable. Every news update, every siren, made our hearts skip a beat. But today, seeing our son safely back on Indian soil, our gratitude knows no bounds," she shared with ANI, her voice filled with emotion.

But the ripples of gratitude extended beyond the Indian borders. The Ambassador of Nepal to India, reflecting on the successful evacuation efforts, expressed, "We deeply appreciate the Indian Government's swift action. Their efforts ensured that not just their own, but our citizens too were safely brought back from Tel Aviv to Delhi."

It's moments like these that highlight the strength and solidarity between nations, proving that in times of crisis, humanity shines the brightest.

The Tragedy in Israel and India's Legacy of Evacuation

In the somber aftermath of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, reports emerged detailing the loss of innocent lives. Among the casualties were international students, seeking education and a brighter future. The Nepal Embassy in Israel confirmed the heart-wrenching news that around 10 Nepali students lost their lives during the Hamas invasion of Israel. Such incidents starkly remind us of the fragility of life, especially in regions marred by ongoing tensions.

However, amid the gloom, there's a silver lining in the form of India's unwavering commitment to its citizens abroad. Over the years, India has earned a reputation for successfully executing evacuation plans under challenging circumstances. The nation's track record speaks volumes: Operation Kaveri in Sudan, Operation Ganga in Ukraine, and Operation Devi Shakti in Afghanistan collectively ensured the safe return of around 20,000 Indians.

While the global community mourns the loss of innocent lives, the dedication and efficiency with which countries like India respond to such crises offer a glimmer of hope. The meticulous planning and execution of these operations underscore the nation's commitment to its citizens, wherever they may be.