Chandigarh
18 November 2023
DIVYA AZAD
Sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers were remembered on Rezang La Day here today. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit today while paying tribute to the martyrs also stressed on the need to make NCC compulsory in all schools. He was speaking at an event to commemorate Rezang La Day at the Banyan Tree School in sector 48 here today.
He was the chief guest on the occasion, which was organised by Suvichar, a renowned think tank. Gen V P Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) was the Guest of Honour.
Param Vir Chakra awardees, Hony. Capt Bana Singh (Retd) and Sub-Maj Sanjay Kumar were also felicitated on the occasion. They narrated to the audience their indomitable courage displayed during the war.
The Governor while speaking on the occasion said, “I take pride in saluting the 104 soldiers of Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment who fought the Chinese against all odds. It was a saga of unparalleled bravery as Major Shaitan Singh and these soldiers had made the supreme sacrifice, fighting one of the world’s rarest ‘last man, last bullet’ battles.
“We have been listening to bravery stories of our martyrs and it’s a privilege for us to have two Param Vir Chakra awardees amongst us. I myself wanted to join the Indian Air Force but due to some reason could not clear the medical test.”
He added today the Indian defence forces are the most well equipped and also stressed on the fact that due to paucity of funds not all schools have NCC, adding it should be made compulsory for all students. He also paid tribute to our martyrs on the occasion.
Gen. VP Malik while speaking on the occasion said it was a privilege to have the parents of Capt. Vikram Batra here on the occasion. He recalled the significance of the Rezangla Day and said Indian soldiers have set an example of bravery and leadership for the entire world.
Gen. Malik also added that such brave hearts are a source of inspiration for the entire nation, adding it is our responsibility to remember all those who have sacrificed lives for the nation and their families. He also stressed that all battles fought must be remembered to analyse, adding that Rezang La Day reminds us of the lack of equipment which was a big lesson for the country.
Col. DS Cheema (Retd.) while speaking on the occasion recalled the sacrifices made by the martyrs and said it was a honour for us to have parents of Capt Vikram Batra with us, besides parents of Maj Anuj Rajput and kin of the martyrs of Rezang La Day .
The event included Screening of Film on Rezang La prepared by the Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, NCC cadets and other students got an opportunity to speak to the Param Veer Chakra awardees.
Many senior officers from the. administration, police, armed forces and judiciary were also present on the occasion. Among other prominent guests present were Maj. Gen. BD Wadhwa (AVSM retd.), Pro-Chancellor, IILM University; Ex IAS Mr Vivek Atray; Mr Raghuvender Yadav of Yaduvanshi Maha Sabha; Mr Ashok Nadir, Author and Industrialist; Capt (Navy ) Rajesh Trehan (Retd); Mr C J Singh; Mr Hardeep Chandpuri and Mrs Garima Bhardwaj, Principal of the Banyan Tree School, among others.
