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Women Rebuilt Bhuj Airstrip Under Fire!
23 Nov
Summary
- Ordinary women rebuilt a bombed airstrip during the 1971 war.
- A new play, Veerangna 1971, highlights this historic courage.
- The reconstruction took just four days under constant threat.
A recent play in Vadodara, Gujarat, titled Veerangna 1971, has brought to light the remarkable valor of ordinary women during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. These women played a crucial role in rebuilding the Bhuj airstrip after it was bombed by Pakistan.
The production, directed by Nisarg Rawal, featured 18 adult performers and was based on extensive research. It recreated the tense atmosphere of December 1971, when a group of Kunbi Patel women from Madhapar village volunteered to restore the strategic airstrip despite relentless air strikes. Their efforts ensured the runway was operational in just four days.
Veerangna 1971 aims to spotlight the unsung heroines and their pivotal contributions, weaving in Kutchi cultural elements to capture the region's spirit. A memorial, Veerangna Bhavan, now stands in Madhapar to honor these women who safeguarded India's western border.
