Leads Armed Forces Veterans Day Tribute in Rajouri
KD NEWS SERVICE
RAJOURI, Jan 14: Marking the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their families at a solemn yet inspiring commemorative event held at ALG Rajouri. The occasion witnessed a massive turnout of veterans, senior military officers, civil and police officials, public representatives and citizens from across the region, reflecting deep public respect for the Armed Forces.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed profound gratitude to the veterans and serving soldiers, describing them as the embodiment of “living history” whose unparalleled sacrifices have not only safeguarded India’s freedom but also shaped the destiny of the nation.
“Our Armed Forces veterans are living symbols of courage, discipline and sacrifice. Their contributions go far beyond the battlefield. They have protected our sovereignty, preserved our unity and laid the foundation for a secure and progressive India,” LG Sinha said.
He underlined that service in the Armed Forces is not merely a profession but a lifelong commitment to the nation. “The selfless service of the Armed Forces does not end when the uniform is folded away. The courage of our veterans continues in their efforts to establish peace, strengthen society and guide future generations. Their bravery is reflected not only in war but also in their role as pillars of stability and progress,” he added.
Paying rich tributes to the bravery and resilience of Indian soldiers, the Lieutenant Governor said the courage and sacrifice of the Army form the backbone of the country’s security architecture. He poignantly highlighted the unseen and often unspoken sacrifices made by soldiers.
“The sacrifices of our soldiers remain largely invisible. While the nation sleeps in peace, they remain vigilant. While families celebrate festivals together, our soldiers stand guard at borders far away from their loved ones. They do not speak about sacrifice; they live it every single moment of their lives,” LG Sinha said, drawing prolonged applause from the audience.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a ‘Wall of Fame’ at Rajouri to immortalise the bravery and contributions of the region’s bravehearts. He also launched a dedicated police helpline service for veterans, aimed at ensuring swift assistance and addressing their grievances effectively.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families, LG Sinha said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the nation remains deeply indebted to its veterans. “It is my personal commitment to honour the service of veterans through sustained care and support. Our focus is not only on the well-being of veterans’ families but also on ensuring a life of dignity for every soldier who has served and sacrificed for the nation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor described veterans as living role models for the youth, stating that their character, timeless values and spirit of selfless service continue to guide the nation. “From safeguarding the nation to serving society, our Armed Forces veterans continue to shape India’s future by leading through example in everyday life,” he observed.
During the event, LG Sinha paid homage to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, and remembered legendary war heroes including Second Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Naik Jadunath Singh, along with the bravehearts of Rajouri who laid down their lives for the motherland.
A mega Ex-Servicemen Rally was organised as part of the celebrations. As a gesture of gratitude and support, motorised wheelchairs, retrofitted scooties and other mobility aids were distributed among veterans and Veer Naris, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to their welfare and rehabilitation.
The event was attended by 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; and Brigadier Pankaj Chib (Retd), Director, Sainik Welfare Department, along with a large number of veterans and Veer Naris.
Among those present were MLAs Shri Iftkhar Ahmed, Thakur Randhir Singh and Ms. Devyani Rana; DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Shri Tejinder Singh; Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Shri Abhishek Sharma; SSP Rajouri Shri Gaurav Sikarwar; besides senior officers of the Army, police, civil administration and prominent citizens, all of whom joined in paying homage to the nation’s brave veterans.
The Armed Forces Veterans Day celebrations in Rajouri stood as a powerful reminder of the enduring sacrifices of India’s soldiers and the nation’s collective responsibility to honour, support and remember them—not just on commemorative days, but every day.
