Minister Ganesh Joshi attends 49th Raising Day event of 14th Battalion Garhwal Rifles
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 8 Sep: The 49th Foundation Day of the 14th Battalion Garhwal Rifles was celebrated today with great enthusiasm at a Wedding Point in Balliwala, here. The Chief Guest, Soldiers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. During the event, a moment of silence was observed to pay homage to the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s defence. Joshi also honoured the Veer Naris and former soldiers who have received bravery medals.
Minister Joshi extended his best wishes to the former soldiers of the battalion and recalled his time serving in the 14th Battalion Garhwal Rifles. He stated, “Wherever I am today, it is due to my military background,” and reminisced about his time spent with the regiment. He highlighted the Garhwal Rifles as a symbol of valour and described the region as a land of heroes and patriots. He noted that nearly 17% of the nation’s soldiers come from Uttarakhand, a state with a relatively small population.
Joshi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his special attachment to the armed forces and mentioned that the Modi government has fulfilled long-standing demands of ex-servicemen, such as the One Rank One Pension scheme. He also stated that a nodal officer has been appointed at the district level to address the issues of former soldiers, and the state government is providing jobs to the families of martyrs.
He announced that a Military Shrine is being constructed in Uttarakhand in honour of the soldiers, a project in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision. He affirmed his commitment to this project, which will serve as a monument to the valour and glorious history of the Indian Army.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including the President of the 14th Garhwal Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association, Umakant Joshi, Captain Dhaniram Nainwal, Captain Gulab Singh, Captain Avtar Singh Negi, Councillor Narendra Bisht, Captain Kedar Singh Butola, Captain Raghubir Singh, Vinod Kumar, and Captain DP Baluni, among others.
Those felicitated today for bravery were Subedar Major Kunwar Singh Bhati – Veer Chakra; Subedar Major Satendra Singh Negi – Sena Medal; and Subedar Vinod Singh – Sena Medal. The Veer Naris felicitated were Laxmi Tomar, Kalawati Devi Bisht, Shanti Devi Aswal, Sarita Devi Uniyal, Sulochana Sundriyal, Guddi Devi and Meena Devi.
