OP BABA Shrine (Siachen Glacier School)

Courtesy: Suman Sharma / Chhindits

In the late 1980s, Om Prakash, an artillery soldier was sent on a patrol on Malaun Post in Bila Complex in Northen Glacier, where he single-handedly beat back the enemy, bet never returned back after that. No one saw him or his body, but troops were forewarned in their dreams about impending dangers on the Glacier, after which the faith in OP Baba increased and temples were built in his name. Reports of missions are regularly given to him before and after. OP Baba not only protects the personnel on the Glacier from the enemy, but also from the hostile nature and terrain. Troops talk about getting dreams whenever a warning is to be issued from the Baba.

Troops give up tobaccoo, alcohol and non-vegetarian food during thier three-month tenure on the Glacier.