Garhwal Post Bureau
Khatima, 9 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today inaugurated a CSD canteen constructed at a cost of Rs 7.15 crores and a Sainik Milan Kendra built at a cost of Rs 1.62 crores at Khetalsanda in Khatima, marking a significant initiative for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. The CM also attended the Gaurav Sainik Samman Samaroh organised by Seva Sankalp Dharini Foundation on the sixth death anniversary of his father, the late Subedar Sher Singh Dhami, where he participated as the chief guest.
In addition, the CM also participated in a grand roadshow during which members of the public and elected representatives accorded a warm welcome to him with flower showers. During the event, he paid floral tributes to the portrait of his late father and also offered homage to the martyrs by garlanding their photographs. He also honoured the families of martyrs and Veer Naris by presenting them with shawls and felicitated 60 Veer Naris and 80 veterans for their service and sacrifice on this occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami described the occasion as deeply emotional. He observed that the programme is being held in the memory of his father. He recalled that the day marked one of the most difficult moments of his life when he lost his father six years ago. He said that his father’s values, principles and life of struggle continue to inspire and guide him at every step in life.
The CM also shared that his father always maintained his uniform with utmost dignity and discipline, instilling in him the understanding that for a soldier, the uniform represents both honour and responsibility. He further stated that his father taught him that politics is not merely a means to attain position, but a path of public service.
Recalling his father’s distinguished service, Dhami said that late Subedar Sher Singh Dhami served for 28 years in the Mahar Regiment and contributed to key operations including the 1962 India-China war, the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, as well as in Operation Bluestar and Operation Rakshak. He reminded the audience that during his childhood he drew inspiration from the stories of brave soldiers narrated by his father, which instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and sacrifice. He said that although he is not part of the armed forces, he continues to serve the nation by considering soldiers as his ideals.
Reminding of the developments in the defence sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM asserted that India has made remarkable progress in defence production and exports. He noted that defence production, which stood at approximately Rs 46,000 crores in 2014-15, has increased to Rs 1.54 lakh crores in 2024-25, while defence exports have grown to Rs 38,000 crore. He added that India is now supplying defence equipment to more than 80 countries, reflecting the country’s growing strategic strength.
Dhami claimed that the state government is working with full commitment towards the welfare of soldiers, martyrs and their families. He reminded that the ex-gratia amount provided to the families of martyrs has been enhanced and that government jobs are being provided to dependants. He also shared that financial assistance given to recipients of gallantry awards has been significantly increased.
The CM added that the financial assistance for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been raised from Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 1.5 crores. He further stated that a grand Sainya Dham is being constructed in Dehradun to inspire future generations with the spirit of patriotism. Additionally, the application period for government jobs for the families of martyrs has been extended from two years to five years.
Sainik Kalyan Minister Ganesh Joshi, while addressing the gathering on this occasion, said that honouring soldiers is a matter of pride for all and assured that the state government will continue to work for their welfare with greater commitment in the future.
Among those present on the occasion were the CM’s mother, Bishna Devi, and his wife Geeta Pushkar Dhami, along with Cabinet Ministers Pradeep Batra and Ram Singh Kaira, and other public representatives and senior officials.
