Guwahati, 07 December (HS): Armed Forces Flag Day was observed with solemnity and respect at Lok Bhavan, Assam, where Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya led the state in paying tribute to the valour and sacrifices of India’s soldiers. Since 1949, December 7 has been marked across the country to honour martyrs and the men in uniform who safeguard the nation’s borders.

Addressing an assembly comprising Veer Naris, war-disabled soldiers, veterans, serving personnel and dignitaries, Governor Acharya said the day reminds every citizen of the invaluable contribution of the Armed Forces. He noted that from guarding the borders under extreme conditions to leading relief operations during disasters, the armed forces embody courage, discipline, and compassion.

The Governor highlighted that Assam is home to 41,968 ex-servicemen and 10,361 Veer Naris, who are supported year-round by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare and 21 District Sainik Welfare Offices. On the occasion, he released a Wall and Table Calendar showcasing the Directorate’s activities and felicitated five Veteran Achievers for their notable contributions.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the new initiative ‘Sainik Tujhe Salaam’, under which Armed Forces veterans aged 90 and above, along with Veer Naris and Veer Mothers, will be honoured at their homes every year on Armed Forces Flag Day by the District Administration and Zila Sainik Welfare Offices.

The Governor expressed pride that Assam received special commendation from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the National Conference held in New Delhi on September 29–30 for exemplary efforts in ex-servicemen welfare. He also spoke about the ‘Assam Governor Rashtriya Kritagyata aur Jagrrokta Yojana’, aimed at inspiring youth by connecting them with the lives and experiences of soldiers through programmes in educational institutions.

Appealing for generous contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, the Governor said that while nothing can compensate for the sacrifices made by soldiers, public support can ease the hardships faced by military families. He expressed confidence that Assam will continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of soldiers and their families.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota; Addl Chief Secretary Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarty; Commissioner & Secretary GAD M.S. Mannivannan; Major General A.K. Sharma, GOC, 51 Sub Area; Air Commodore Kanchan Kumar, AOC, 19 Wing; Air Marshal (Retd.) Anjan Kumar Gogoi; Lt. General (Retd.) Rana Pratap Kalita; Lt. General (Retd.) Pranab Kumar Bharali; Brig Polash Choudhury, SM; senior armed forces personnel; war-disabled soldiers; war widows; ex-defence officers and other dignitaries.

Later in the day, Governor Acharya visited the residence of Hony Capt. Jatindra Chandra Roy at Satgaon in Guwahati and felicitated him with a Prashansa Patra and a traditional phulam gamosa, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to national security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash