On 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha paid tribute to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members and attended a commemorative event at ALG Rajouri.
Addressing a large gathering, the Lieutenant Governor 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,” the Lieutenant Governor 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, the Lieutenant Governor 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 Sacrifice. They live it every moment,” the Lieutenant Governor 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 Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri 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.
Shri Iftkhar Ahmed, Thakur Randhir Singh and Ms. Devyani Rana-Members of Legislative Assembly; Shri Tejinder Singh, DIG Rajouri Poonch Range; Shri Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; Shri 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.