HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 7: In a move to pay tributes to the valour and sacrifices of Indian armed forces, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Saturday paid rich tributes to the members of Indian Armed Forces who safeguard the nation’s honour at the cost of their lives at a function held at Raj Bhavan.
It may be noted that Armed Forces Flag Day is an annual event observed on December 7 to honour the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the country.
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Addressing the occasion, Governor Acharya said, “I extend my heartfelt homage to the valiant martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces who made supreme sacrifices to the nation. My heartfelt congratulations to those brave soldiers who have displayed exemplary courage in the combat and counter-terrorism operations. I also salute the serving soldiers who vigilantly and devotedly protect our motherland under all circumstances.”
The Governor moreover reiterated that Armed Forces Flag Day should not merely a day to honour the sacrifices of soldiers but a solemn reminder of society’s responsibility towards their welfare, including the rehabilitation of injured personnel and the family members of martyrs. He highlighted the importance of supporting the armed forces’ families as a genuine expression of gratitude for their unmatched service to the nation.
The Governor said, “The courage and selflessness of our armed forces are beyond words. Whether facing combat challenges, managing internal insurgencies, or countering cross-border terrorism, their contributions ensure our security. Their service inspires us to cherish and uphold the values of loyalty, bravery, and devotion to duty,” the Governor said.
Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the government, the Governor appreciated the historic implementation of the ’One Rank, One Pension’, which he said was a transformative step in benefitting ex-servicemen and their families. The scheme, which is now completing 10 years, stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the armed forces, the Governor added.
Acharya also acknowledged Assam’s exemplary efforts in soldier welfare, stating that around 41,656 retired soldiers, 9,954 war widows, and 103 disabled soldiers have been supported by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare.
Financial assistance of ₹1.13 crore has been extended to 2,140 ex-servicemen and their families. Ex-gratia for martyr families has been increased from ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Job reservations of 2 per cent has enabled significant employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, including 26 appointments through APSC and 320 recruits in the Assam Border Police in 2024. Scholarships worth ₹1.7 crore were awarded to 3,954 students in 2023-24, alongside admissions for ex-servicemen’s children in medical and dental colleges.
He on the occasion also appealed to all citizens to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, reiterating that such contributions symbolise the nation’s respect for the armed forces and their families.
P&RD Minister Ranjeet Dass, Director, Sainik Welfare, Brig (Retd) Palash Chaudhury, commissioner and secretary to the Governor S S Meenakshi Sundaram, senior government officers and senior armed forces personnel, gallantry award winners, war disabled, war widows, ex-defense service officers and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
