Mumbai: To commemorate the 78th anniversary of India’s Independence, the Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha felicitated the brave families of 15 army Jawans who had laid down their lives during various operations across the country. The families were presented with a cash award of 2 lakh rupees each and household items worth Rs.50 thousand.
“The Sabha has been honouring the families of fallen heroes on August 15 and wounded Jawans on January 26 every year”, said Dr. V. Shankar, president of the Sabha.
On this momentous occasion, the Sabha also conferred the prestigious ‘Shanmukha Shaurya Ratna’ award on Lt. Gen. Dr. V. Ravishankar, VSM, who had retired from Army Medical College.
Interestingly, his father served as a General in the Medical services, his elder brother retired as a Rear Admiral from the Navy, and his brother-in-law was in the Indian Air Force. This is a unique family with three generals from defence services represented by one family. Dr.Ravishankar commanded the prestigious 1000-bed Command hospital in Pune affiliated with the AFMC.
Lt.General Pawan Chadha, the General Officer Commanding the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa area, presided over the ceremony. Lt.Gen H.S. Kahlon, who retired from the Army, gave away the awards and honoured the Jawans’ families.
From Ahmednagar, Sheetal, wife of Havaldar Late Santosh Jagdale, who laid down his wife during operation Rakshak in J&K in 2015, said, “This was the first time we were honoured in such a big auditorium, which I had never seen. I was delighted to receive the award in honour of my husband.”
She said her son has cleared SSC, and her daughter is joining engineering. The Army is providing them with all the help. Her daughter accompanied her to the event.
Another lady, Meena, wife of Lance Naik, late Anil Kumar Pande from Ahmedabad, said she was pleased to be present to receive an Award, allowing them to meet other army personal wives. Her husband was killed in May 2007 in J&K.
Lt. General Pawan Chadha said in his short address, “Service to the nation is beyond everything in life.” The nation and army are always with you, even though you lost your husband. We will take care of all family members throughout.”
“The biggest service is to honour those who sacrificed their life to the nation,” said Lt.Gen H.S.Kahlon (Retd).
With its long-standing tradition of honouring the brave soldiers and their families, this Sabha has taken the initiative once again to recognise the sacrifices made by the army families. The army, in turn, is proud of the Sabha for its unwavering support and commitment to this noble cause.
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