In July 2020, India’s first paratrooper Lt Col AG Rangaraj was celebrated throughout South Korea because the ‘Korean War Hero For the Month’. His pictures have been displayed at quite a few areas throughout the nation, together with the War Memorial, and his contributions have been recognised because the commander of the sixtieth Parachute Field Ambulance of the Indian Army that handled greater than two lakh sufferers throughout the Korean War (June 1950 to July 1953).
Now, Rangaraj and different members of the Indian medical troop are being commemorated via a web-based exhibition titled “Korean War Special Exhibition: 60 Para Field Ambulance”, highlighting the assist that India supplied throughout the struggle. June 2021 marks the 71st anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War and the touchdown of India’s non-combatant medical troops. The troops have been deputed in assist of UN Security Council Resolutions.
“Remembering India’s help and support as a friend, when we were in difficult times, is very important for us. We feel obligated to teach this to both countries’ young generations. History should be maintained, taught and properly promoted continuously for the next generation. We hope that more people get interested and study more about this point — the historical relation between Korea and India,” says Hwang Il-yong, Director of Korean Culture Centre India.
A launch from the Korean Centre states, “The troop included four combat surgeons, two anesthesiologists and one dentist. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel AG Rangaraj, the 60 Para Field Ambulance provided assistance to an estimated 2.2 lakh wounded during the war, and performed 2,324 field surgeries. Thetroop was further divided into smaller support units like Daegu Station and Uijeongbu. Among the 627 medical aid workers dispatched, a total of 10 members of the unit were injured and 2 lost their lives”.
June 2021 marks the 71st anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War and the touchdown of India’s non-combatant medical troops. (Source: PR handout)
Featuring 32 pictures, the show spans the struggle years. If in a 1952 {photograph} we see Edwina Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, visiting the 60 Para Field Ambulance, in one other {photograph} the medical troops are seen crossing a water hurdle; one other has them within the Gloster Valley. One of the frames has troopers treating the wounded at Munsan Falls and others are seen taking good care of the sufferers in Daegu Hospital. There are pictures of award certificates in addition to a 500 gained (KRW) stamp issued by the Korean Government in 1951 to honour India’s participation within the Korean War.
Given the Covid pandemic, the exhibition may solely be on-line however Hwang Il-yong asserts the necessity to stay hopeful. “When it is a difficult time, we should try and struggle more not to lose heart, hope and the challenging spirit. Life should go on.”