RAJOURI: On the occasion of the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid rich tributes to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members at a commemorative event held at ALG Rajouri.
Addressing a large gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep gratitude to the veterans and serving soldiers of the Army for always placing the safety of others above their own. “Our Armed Forces veterans are the embodiment of living history. Their sacrifices have not only safeguarded our freedom but also shaped the destiny of our great nation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the selfless service rendered by members of the armed forces is not merely a profession but a lifelong commitment that continues even after their military careers conclude. He added that the courage of veterans is not confined to the battlefield alone but is also reflected in their role in establishing peace and contributing to the nation’s progress.
Saluting the unwavering dedication of the armed forces, the Lieutenant Governor said that the courage and sacrifice of soldiers form the backbone of national security. “The sacrifices of our soldiers often remain invisible. While the nation sleeps in peace, they remain alert at the borders. While people celebrate festivals together, our soldiers safeguard the nation far away from home. They do not speak about sacrifice; they live it every moment,” he remarked.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a “Wall of Fame” and launched a dedicated police helpline service for veterans. He reiterated the government’s firm commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, toward the welfare of veterans and their families.
Calling veterans living role models for the youth, the Lieutenant Governor said they continue to guide the nation with character, timeless values and selfless service. “From safeguarding the nation to serving society, our armed forces veterans continue to shape India’s future. It is my commitment to honour their service through care and to ensure dignity and well-being for veterans and their families,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and remembered Second Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Naik Jadunath Singh, and other bravehearts of Rajouri.
A mega ex-servicemen rally was organised to mark the occasion. Motorised wheelchairs, retrofitted scooters and other mobility aids were distributed to veterans and Veer Naris.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command; Lt Gen P. K. Mishra, GOC White Knight 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 different walks of life attended the event.
Members of the Legislative Assembly Iftkhar Ahmed, Thakur Randhir Singh and Ms Devyani Rana; DIG Rajouri–Poonch Range Tejinder Singh; Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma; SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar and senior officials of the security forces, civil and police administration were also present and paid tributes to the veterans and Veer Naris.
