By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 9 Dec: Soldiers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi inaugurated today in Hathibarkala the newly constructed Shaheed Gate in the name of Amar Shaheed Major Bhupendra Kandari (Shaurya Chakra). On this occasion, the Minister paid tribute to the martyr by offering flowers before a portrait of Major Bhupendra Kandari, a resident of Dehradun. He also honoured the martyr’s father, Gajendra Kandari, by draping him with a shawl.
During the event, the Soldiers’ Welfare Minister stated that Uttarakhand is the land of bravehearts and patriots. He emphasised that one out of every five soldiers in the country hails from Uttarakhand. He further mentioned that, since the First World War, thousands of warriors from the state have laid down their lives in defence of India. The Minister assured that the state government is committed to ensuring respect and recognition for the martyrs. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, numerous schemes for the welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their dependants are being implemented in the state.
He announced that the amount given to soldiers based on the medals they received for valour has been increased. The financial compensation for the families of Uttarakhand’s martyrs has been raised from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs. He also mentioned that the one-time award for soldiers honoured with the Distinguished Service Medal has been increased. Additionally, the monthly grant for veterans of World War II and war widows has been raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. He emphasised that the state government is offering jobs in state services to the dependants of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in war, based on their educational qualifications. To date, 27 dependants of soldiers have been provided employment in state services. He also mentioned that in honour of the soldiers, work is underway to name streets, schools, and Shaheed Gates after martyrs across the state. The grand Military Dham being built in honour of soldiers will soon be dedicated to the people of the state.
Major Bhupendra Kandari was born on 10 August 1973. After completing his initial education, he graduated from DAV College. From a young age, he dreamt of becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. After passing the CDS exam, he fulfilled his dream. He joined the Indian Military Academy in the 101st Regular Course. Due to a ligament injury, he passed out with the 102nd batch. On 13 June 1998, he was commissioned into the 14 Rajputana Rifles and later served with the 43 National Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir. During his tenure, he displayed unparalleled bravery, killing two terrorists in the Rajouri area, and attained martyrdom after being shot in the face. For his supreme sacrifice, the Government of India posthumously awarded him the Shaurya Chakra.
The event was also attended by MLA Suresh Gadiya, former Mayor Sunil Uniyal Gama, the martyr’s father Gajendra Kandari, RS Parihar, Greater Noida General Secretary Surendra Rana, Bhupendra Kathait, Executive Engineer Ratna Payal, and several local residents.
