While Jasbir was on a war mission on the western front recently, he was injured in both eyes and also lost his right hand. But there is still hope, as there is a slim chance that one of his eyes can survive.

``The army doctors have told me that there is a 20 per cent chance that Jasbir can see again with one eye. But for that, an expert ophthalmologist should immediately come to his rescue,'' said social worker and president of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Rashtra Chetna, Kiran Paigankar. ``The Army has requested me to contact any expert doctor or a hospital willing to offer specialised treatment for Jasbir. I'm sure Mumbai has the heart and soul to help our brave soldier,'' he added.

Hailing from Punjab, 30-year-old Jasbir Singh lies still on his bed at theINS Ashwini Hospital in Navy Nagar. His aged mother Bimla Devi looks forlorn from his bedside. Jasbir is one of the first war casualties to arrive in the city for medical treatment.

Still smarting from the pain caused by enemy fire, Jasbir can barely speak about the events that led to his suffering. ``I was recently injured during a war operation at the border,'' he manages to whisper slowly.

Like a true soldier, Jasbir adds without any signs of remorse: ``I have served in the army for 10 years. I am proud that I worked and fought for my motherland.'' Full of worries Bimla is calmed down by some defence personnel who have come to visit Singh. ``She has the hard task of coming to terms with the harsh reality. It was just yesterday that Jasbir, the young bread-winner of the family, was the apple of her eye. Now he lies there without his boots, without his arms, and without his eyes,'' said s a well-wisher.