Thursday, January 6 2005 19:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: As the grave tragedy of Tsunami brought untold misery to vast populace of coastal India, the whole nation geared up for one of the biggest relief operations in our history.

This relief operation is unique in its dimensions where people and organisations across the country donated liberally to rehabilitate the affected citizens of India.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) - the aviation leader - came forward and donated Rs 3.40 crores to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The cheque was handed over by Ashok Baweja, Chairman HAL to the Prime Minister on Jan 1, 2005 as a token of HAL's commitment to the nation.

The commitment of HAL also expresses itself in another unique way. For the first time in the history of Indian Aviation, India-made helicopters participated in relief operations. Hitherto in our history, no Indian aircraft or helicopter, designed and developed indigenously, has contributed to national relief work.

Dhruv, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), indigenously designed and developed by HAL, has once again established its excellent operational capabilities. These helicopters are being extensively deployed by Indian Army and the Coast Guard in Nagapattinam, Kumbakonam and Chennai for tsunami relief operations.

The multi-role Dhruv helicopters are flying various missions to bring relief to the victims of the tidal tragedy by moving medical teams, dropping medicines and food besides undertaking extensive aerial survey over the affected areas.

The Dhruv, through its wide range of civil applications, are providing enormous support to meet the mammoth challenge of Tsunami - faced by the nation.