In an interview with NewsX, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, one of the eight released individuals, expresses gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government for their assistance during challenging times.
What emotions were going through your mind?
We were so relived that no one will take us back to Qatar now.
How did you deal with the situation and how did you cope in?
Those were horrible days, after 3 months or so i made a routine, used to do meditation and yoga and physical training kept me going.
Were you all each others support system there?
We were alone at the begining and then later doubled up, 1 year in solitary confinement was really tought.
Were there moments of doubt that you will meet your family again?
Around 4-5 months, there were doubs, we were on a shaky ground but then were assured that Indian govt will take us out.
I was relatably sure that we will come out.
There were hectic negotiations, what was that moment like?
For a week or so we were dumb struck, then we realised the govt would do the needful and take us out of there.
How many times was your family able to visit you?
Once in a week we used to get family visit accesss, we used to discuss with our parents, they used to update on efforts being taken on our release.
Did it return your hopes?
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude, I was told how the govt was coordinating to take us out.
How does it feel to be back home?
It’s freedom, my both daughters were shocked when the penalty was announced. My wife was running helter skelter, it was absolutely bizarre snenario, now it is such a big relief for everyone, my family was thrilled.
Last 4 days have been really hectic, im running out of words to express my gratitude,
17 months were ordeal that were done with it.
Did it strengthen your resolve to come back home?
PM’s personal intervention has made a magic.
Back channel talks were on, a lot was happening behind the scene, how would you explain it?
I saw Ambassador go out of his way and trying his level best to get us out, everything has worked in our favour.
Who gave you the news for the first time about your release?
Nobody came to us to give the news per say, the guards came to us and told us to pack our bags.
Do you believe that India’s position in the world has reached new position in the world?
We really realised the lot of work that has gone in, the perception of India has changed.
What would you say to countrymen praying for your release?
Really indebted to Indians who are here and made it a movement.
It has given us a good feel that, serving in miliatry has paid us.
What are your future plans?
I want my focus to lie around nation building.
What would you like to say to the PM & EAM?
I want to thank PM Modi, EAM. This new life is because of them, I’ll be first one to work towards it.
