Sonia wishes speedy recovery to Siachen survivor

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has written to Basavva, the mother of Siachen avalanche survivor Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, wishing her son speedy recovery and a long life.

In her letter written on Tuesday, which was released to the media on Wednesday, Gandhi said her heart was filled with pain and grief on hearing about the 10 soldiers coming under an avalanche in Siachen but there was a ray of hope after learning that Hanumanthappa survived.

She said praise was not enough for the manner in which the country's soldiers defended the borders in tough areas such as Siachen.

"I pray to god for early recovery of the brave, patriotic soldier so that he starts his routine again and is able to contribute to the service of country and tasks of his near dear ones," the letter said.

"I again pray for early recovery and long life of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa," Gandhi said.

In a message on Wednesday, Gandhi said she joins the nation in praying for speedy recovery of Koppad.

"We salute his endurance and will power to serve the nation. True to the glorious tradition of our armed forces, Lance Naik Hanumanthappa has fought against the most challenging circumstances that man can ever face. The nation remains indebted to his service," she said.

Koppad was found from under 35 feet of ice at an avalanche-hit army post in the Siachen glacier in Jammu and Kashmir -- six days after he and nine other soldiers were buried. The bodies of the other nine have also been found.