CM pays glowing tribute to soldiers at Silver Jubilee Ex-Servicemen’s Convention
Garhwal Post Bureau
Haldwani, 6 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Ex-Servicemen’s Convention at the MBPG College grounds in Haldwani today. This event was hosted to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand’s formation. The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of ex-servicemen, Veer Naaris, Veeranganas, and their families from across the state.
On this occasion, the CM paid floral tributes to the ex-servicemen and extended heartfelt greetings to all attendees, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the creation of the state and their unwavering service to the nation. He noted that every household in Uttarakhand proudly carries the legacy of serving Bharat Mata and reiterated that the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice is embedded in the soil of this Veerbhoomi. He described Uttarakhand as a land where valour and dedication are not just virtues but the very identity of its people.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers, Dhami on the occasion, announced the reorganisation and strengthening of the Soldier Welfare Department to ensure more effective and transparent functioning. He stated that the department would be restructured to facilitate seamless delivery of benefits to every soldier’s family. He further declared that District Sainik Welfare Offices and residential quarters would be reconstructed in Haldwani, Almora, and Pauri to enhance facilities for ex-servicemen and Veer Naaris. In a significant welfare measure, he announced an increase in financial assistance for housing construction for widows of martyred soldiers from Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs.
The CM also unveiled plans for a modern hostel in Haldwani to accommodate 150 children of soldiers, promising quality education and secure residential facilities for military families. Emphasising the enduring spirit of military service, he stressed that a soldier is never an ex-serviceman but always remains a soldier. On this occasion, Dhami also condemned anti-national ideologies and highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He also cited the successful deployment of indigenous BrahMos and Akash missiles during Operation Sindhu Megh.
During the convention, the CM honoured 31 Veer Naaris from Nainital district and 13 from Udham Singh Nagar district with shawls and mementos, acknowledging their sacrifice and resilience.
Soldiers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi described the day as one of pride and emotion for Uttarakhand. He extended greetings on State Formation Day to those present and lauded the state’s legacy of producing gallantry award winners, including recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. He stressed that honouring Veer Naaris and Veeranganas was not a ceremonial gesture but a moment of collective pride for the state.
Joshi also shared that ‘Sainya Dham’, the fifth pilgrimage site of Uttarakhand, would soon be inaugurated, and reminded that gallantry medal recipients have been granted free bus travel facilities. He added that over 22,000 soldiers have been provided employment by the State Government. He also shared that 6.4 hectares of land near Ganna Centre in Haldwani have been earmarked for the hostel project, and that the CM would lay its foundation stone shortly.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, in his address, noted that Uttarakhand has a significant military presence and assured that the Government would continue to prioritise the welfare of soldiers and their families.
Among those present on the occasion were Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Ram Singh Kaira and Mohan Singh Bisht, Mayor Gajraj Bisht, District Panchayat President Deepa Darmwal, District President Pratap Bisht, Naveen Verma, Suresh Bhatt, Anil Kapoor (Dabbu), Shankar Koranga, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, DM Lalit Mohan Rayal, SSP Manjunath TC, and a large number of public representatives, officials, and ex-servicemen.
