Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday participated in a tribute and felicitation ceremony at Gandhi Park, Dehradun, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. The event commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 war and honours the bravery and sacrifice of Indian Armed Forces personnel.
Tributes to Martyrs and War Veterans
During the ceremony, CM Dhami paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak and honoured the brave martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. He also felicitated veterans of the 1971 war and the families of martyrs, highlighting the supreme courage and sacrifice that protected India’s integrity and self-respect during the conflict.
Government Support for Sainik Welfare Offices
As part of the event, the Chief Minister announced that government vehicles would be provided to the Directorate of Sainik Welfare and the District Sainik Welfare Offices at Dharchula/Didihat, Herbertpur, Pithoragarh, and Haridwar. This initiative is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of these offices in serving soldiers and their families.
Remembering Uttarakhand’s Contribution
CM Dhami noted that nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army during the 1971 war. He also highlighted that 248 soldiers from Uttarakhand made the supreme sacrifice and 74 were honoured with gallantry awards for their exceptional bravery. “Almost every family in Uttarakhand has a member serving in the armed forces,” he said.
Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities
The Chief Minister emphasised India’s growing defence capabilities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He highlighted initiatives such as Operation Sindhu and the development of indigenous weapons like the Akash missile system and BrahMos missiles. He said, “Every hostile act of the enemy is being responded to with decisive force. This is a new India that neutralises threats at their source.”
Welfare Measures for Soldiers and Families
CM Dhami outlined several welfare measures for soldiers and their families, including:
- Increasing the ex-gratia amount for martyrs’ families from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- Enhanced financial assistance for gallantry award winners, ranging from Param Vir Chakra to Mention in Dispatches.
- Provision of government employment to one family member of martyrs, with the application window extended from two to five years.
- Free travel for serving and ex-servicemen in state-run buses and a 25% rebate in stamp duty for property purchases up to ₹25 lakh.
- Implementation of pre-employment training and marriage assistance schemes for daughters of martyrs.
- Construction of a grand “Sainik Dham” at Guniyal village in Dehradun.
Honouring the Spirit of Service
Sainik Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi also paid tribute to the soldiers, stating that approximately 4,000 soldiers lost their lives in the 1971 war, including 248 from Uttarakhand, and nearly 9,000 were injured. He lauded the state government’s commitment to soldier welfare, stating, “Honouring soldiers is the duty of every citizen. The ex-gratia amount for martyrs’ families has been increased to ₹50 lakh, and all efforts are being made to resolve issues faced by soldiers and their families.”
About Vijay Diwas
Vijay Diwas is observed annually to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war and the valour, dedication, and patriotism of Indian soldiers. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made to safeguard the nation and inspire future generations.
