‘When nation sleeps in peace, jawans stand alert’
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Jan 14: On 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members and attended a commemorative event at ALG Rajouri.
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Addressing a large gathering, Sinha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the veterans and brave Army soldiers for always putting the safety of others above their own.
“Our Armed Forces’ veterans are embodiment of living history and their sacrifices have not only safeguarded our freedom but also shaped the destiny of our great nation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the selfless service of armed forces is not a job but a lifelong commitment which continues even after their military careers conclude and uniform is folded away. He said the courage of veterans is not limited to the battlefield but also in establishing peace and ensuring the nation’s progress.
Saluting the resilience of Army bravehearts and their love for the motherland, Sinha said the courage and sacrifice of Army is the backbone of our nation’s security.
“The sacrifices of our soldiers remain invisible. While the nation sleeps in peace, they stand alert. While nation celebrates festivals together, our soldiers safeguard the border far away from home. They do not speak about Ssacrifice. They live it every moment,” he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the “Wall of Fame” and launched a dedicated police helpline service for veterans. He reiterated the Government’s resolve, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, towards the welfare of veterans and their families.
“Veterans are living role models for youth and guiding the nation with character, timeless values and selfless service. They are leading by example in everyday life. From safeguarding the nation to serving the society; our armed forces veterans continue to shape India’s future.
It is my commitment to honor veterans’ service through care. We are not only dedicated to the well-being of veterans’ families but also building a life of dignity for those brave soldiers who served and sacrificed,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. He also paid tribute to Second Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Naik Jadunath Singh and bravehearts of Rajouri.
A mega ex-servicemen Rally was organised to mark the occasion. Motorised wheelchairs, retrofitted scooties and other mobility aids were also distributed to the veterans and veer naris.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command; Lt Gen P K Mishra, GOC White Knight Corps (16 Corps); Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherjee, GOC 25 Inf Division; Brig. Pankaj Chib (Retd), Director Sainik Welfare Department, veterans, veer naris, prominent citizens and people from all walks of life attended the Armed Forces Veterans Day event.
Iftkhar Ahmed, Thakur Randhir Singh and Devyani Rana-Members of Legislative Assembly; Tejinder Singh, DIG Rajouri Poonch Range; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; Gaurav Sikarwar, SSP Rajouri, and other senior officials of security forces, civil and police administration were also present on the occasion and paid tribute to the veterans and veer naris.
Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma today said Jammu and Kashmir is a vital pillar of India’s national-security architecture, not only because of its geographical importance but also due to its strong military ethos and human resources.
Addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of the 10th Veterans-Day celebrations in Rajouri, the Army commander also lauded the region’s contributions to the armed forces.
“Jammu and Kashmir is not only strategically important, but is also a vital pillar of the nation’s core security architecture in terms of human resources and military tradition,” Lt Gen. Sharma said.
Highlighting the region’s contribution to the armed forces, he said with a population of nearly 1.5 crore, Jammu and Kashmir accounts for around 4 to 5 per cent representation in India’s border security forces. “This is a significant contribution when seen in proportion to the overall strength of the armed forces,” he said.
Referring to the rich military legacy of the region, Lt Gen. Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir is deeply rooted in diverse regimental traditions that reflect a unique spirit of patriotism and sacrifice.
“The exceptional performance of prestigious regiments such as the JAK Rifles, JAK Light Infantry and Dogra units in every war is a matter of pride for the soil of Jammu and Kashmir and its people,” he said.
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