JAMMU: On 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tributes to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members and attended a commemorative event at ALG Rajouri. Sinha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the veterans and brave soldiers for always putting the safety of others above their own.
“Our Armed Forces’ veterans are an 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 selfless service of the armed forces is not a job but a lifelong commitment that continues even after their military careers conclude, and their uniforms are folded away. He said veterans’ courage is not limited to the battlefield but also extends to establishing peace and ensuring the nation’s progress.
Saluting the resilience of bravehearts and their love for the motherland, Sinha said the courage and sacrifice of the 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 the nation celebrates festivals together, our soldiers safeguard the border far away from home. They do not speak about sacrifice. They live it every moment,” he said.
On the occasion, Sinha 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, to support 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 honour their service through care. We are not only dedicated to the well-being of their families but also to building a life of dignity for those brave soldiers who served and sacrificed,” he said.
He paid homage to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa. He also paid tribute to Second Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Naik Jadunath Singh and the bravehearts of Rajouri who fought bravely against marauders from Pakistan in 1947-48. The civilians living on borders have often faced difficulties and wanton firing from the adversary.
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 on this occasion. 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 Infantry 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 the Legislative Assembly; Tejinder Singh, DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range; and Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, were also present on the occasion and paid tributes to the veterans and veer naris.
