Guwahati: As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Assam Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi on Sunday (October 31) felicitated 18 war-veterans for their special achievements and contributions towards the defence services at Jan Samvad Utsav in Dighalipukhuri war memorial of the city.
Organised by the directorate of Sainik welfare, the function was aimed to acknowledge and honour the war-veterans who defeated the Pakistani forces paving the way for the birth of a new nation named Bangladesh in 1971. It may be mentioned that some of the recipients were gallantry awardees and war disabled.
Speaking on occasion, Governor Mukhi elaborated various initiatives of the Union government in New Delhi to observe Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commemorating 75 years of India's independence.
Complimenting the ex-servicemen and war veterans for their valuable contributions to the country, the Governor commented that the nation owes a great deal to the sacrifices of the men in uniform.
While reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's desire, Prof Mukhi requested the cross-section of the society to come forward and join the journey of Jan Bhagidari to strengthen the foundation of Athmanirbhar Bharat. He also paid tributes to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on his birth anniversary and laid a wreath on Amar Jawan to pay tributes to the brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifices in the line of duty.
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier: Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal embarked the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) at sea on Sunday to review the project's progress. Built at Cochin shipyard limited, the ship had completed its maiden sea trials in August 2021 and is currently undergoing the second phase of trials.
"With more than 76% indigenous content, the IAC named Vikrant is the largest and most complex war-fighting platform ever designed and manufactured by India. We now join a select group of only seven nations across the globe who have the capacity, capability and expertise to manufacture aircraft carriers," said Sonowal.
With over 550 Indian firms, including around 100 MSMEs participating, the project has generated employment for over 2000 personnel and over 12,000 employees from various companies across the country.
Sonowal's embarkation onboard the IAC, accompanied by top officials from the Indian Navy, symbolised the unity of thought and action.
The saffron leader complimented the concerned officials & employees and wished them the best for achieving the ship's delivery in April 2022, where the commissioning of Bharat's first IAC (Vikrant) is scheduled to coincide with celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of independence.
