Rajouri, Jan 14 (KNO): Stating that ex-servicemen are not stories of the past but living role models, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said their courage, discipline and selfless service continue to inspire the nation, especially the youth.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day here, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Our veterans are the embodiment of living history. Their sacrifices have not only protected our freedom but have also shaped the destiny of our great nation.”
Hailing ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their families, LG Sinha said, “Their immense contribution in safeguarding the country and shaping its destiny is commendable and entire nation is indebted to them.”
LG Sinha said that service in the armed forces is not merely a profession but a lifelong commitment that continues even after retirement, when the uniform is folded away.
Highlighting the government’s responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor said it is the duty of the administration to take care of the needs of ex-servicemen and their families. He said special focus is being laid on securing the future of the children of ex-servicemen, ensuring they have access to education, opportunities and a life of dignity.
“The courage of our veterans is not limited to the battlefield. It is equally visible in their role in building peace, strengthening society and contributing to the nation’s progress,” he said, adding that veterans and serving soldiers always place the safety of others above their own.
The Lieutenant Governor described the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces as the backbone of India’s security. “While the nation sleeps peacefully, our soldiers remain alert. While families celebrate festivals together, our soldiers guard the borders far away from their homes. They do not speak of sacrifice; they live it every moment,” he said.
Calling veterans living role models for the younger generation, LG Sinha urged the youth to draw inspiration from their lives of discipline, character and selfless service. “Veterans continue to guide the nation with timeless values and lead by example in everyday life,” he said.
From safeguarding the nation to serving society, the Lieutenant Governor said armed forces veterans continue to play a vital role in shaping India’s future. Reaffirming his commitment, LG Sinha said the government is dedicated to honouring the service of veterans through sustained care and welfare measures. “It is my commitment to ensure not only the well-being of veterans’ families but also to build a life of dignity for those brave soldiers who served and sacrificed for the nation,” he added.
“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.
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.
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.
Iftkhar Ahmed, Thakur Randhir Singh and Devyani Rana-Members of Legislative Assembly; Tejinder Singh, DIG Rajouri Poonch Range; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; 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—(KNO)