Leads Vande Mataram march on Zero Line
Avtar Bhat
HIRANAGAR, Nov 7: Announcing a slew of measures being taken by the Modi Government for the residents of border areas, Union Minister in PMO with Independent Charge of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Ministries, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, the Government of India has taken a decision to provide compensation to border dwellers and local residents for the land they had donated to the BSF for setting up pickets and other security establishments near the Indo-Pak International Border.
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Addressing a mammoth gathering at Border Out Post (BOP), Tapan near here, as part of the nationwide commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram”, Dr Jitendra Singh also announced the Centre’s decision of raising an all women battalion in the Border areas.
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Regarding the land compensation, he said district administration would work out the modalities of the compensation scheme for distribution of financial aid to the donors.
He said the funds have been sanctioned by the Union Government and Divisional Commissioner Jammu will hold the meeting of concerned District Development Commissioners in this regard within days so that the compensation is released in favour of the border people who have donated their land to BSF as early as possible.
Dr Jitendra Singh said Modi Government is very much eager for the welfare of border denizens who are the second line of defence and work shoulder to shoulder with security forces in guarding the borders. “This Government can’t undermine the contribution of the border denizens and is committed to take every step for their welfare”, the Minister said amid applause from the gathering.
On the occasion, he also announced the Government decision of raising an all women battalion in border areas for which the recruitment would commence soon. He said the decision was taken some years back but due to COVID it could not be implemented.
Dr Jitendra Singh who led a foot march in the border village of Londi Morh, near the Zero Line on International Border (IB) in Hiranagar sector here today was joined by a large number of students, BSF jawans, youngsters, women, public representatives, local administration and police personnel.
The Union Minister led the Vande Mataram Padyatra from Primary School, Londi Morh, amidst chants of the National Song and beating of drums. The march culminated at Border Out Post (BOP), Tapan near the Zero Line.
Addressing a large gathering at BOP Tapan, Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the significance of the national song Vande Mataram. He said the song played a historic part in the struggle for India’s freedom.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, Vande Mataram gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation, he added.
The Minister underlined that in recognition of its historic importance and national significance, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi had directed nationwide celebrations to mark 150 years of the national song, Vande Mataram. He said today’s Vande Mataram Padyatra in Kathua district is in line with the nationwide celebrations led by the Prime Minister, from the national capital.
Paying rich tribute to the BSF, the Union Minister said their service to the nation is monumental as it is because of their alertness on the border that citizens of India can sleep soundly.
Dr Jitendra Singh said through, the Padyatra, he wanted to express his gratitude to the soldiers for their commitment and yeoman’s service to the Motherland. Celebrating commemoration of the National Song in the company of soldiers, he said it is a gesture of gratitude to their unwavering nationalist spirit and a reminder of the deep sense of indebtedness the nation owes to them.
Referring to land compensation, he said some two weeks ago, the Government of India has taken a decision to provide compensation to local residents for the land they had donated to the BSF for setting up pickets and other security establishments near the Indo-Pak International Border.
Earlier, addressing a gathering at Primary School, Londi Morh before the start of the Vande Mataram Padyatra, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the 150th commemoration of Vande Mataram is aimed at reconnecting citizens, especially the younger generation, with the true spirit and essence of the National Song. He said Vande Mataram not only symbolizes India’s hard-earned freedom but also reflects the values, cultural richness and civilisational ethos of the country. He noted that launching the campaign from the Zero Line near the International Border in Kathua carries a profound significance, as it is the very place where our soldiers stand in steadfast vigilance to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the year-long celebrations offer an opportunity to the present generation to understand that the essence of Vande Mataram is not confined merely to the Independence movement, but is deeply rooted in protecting and preserving India’s cultural and national identity. He further stated that since 2014, the Government led by Prime Minister, Modi has consistently worked to reconnect the nation with its great national heroes who laid down their lives for the motherland.
He said the commemoration of 150 birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee reflect the commitment of the current dispensation to honour India’s proud heritage and remember its icons with dignity and pride.
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