SAPTA SHAKTI COMMAND HELD INTERACTION WITH VETERANS & VEER NARIS 

 Jaipur: Sapta Shakti Command of Indian Army conducted an interaction with Veterans & Veer Naris at Churu on 26 Mar 2025, honouring the selfless service and sacrifices of Soldiers, Veer Naris and the families of bravehearts. The event was marked with meaningful conversations, recognition ceremony and a strong sense of camaraderie.

            On this occasion, the Veergati Smarak in Churu was also dedicated to the bravehearts with great reverence and respect by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command. This grand smarak stands as a tribute to the bravehearts of the nation and has been built with the support of Shri Basant ji Hirawat, Shri Abhay ji Hirawat and their family. The memorial is fully completed and open to the public.

            The Smarak symbolises peace, unparallel valour and sacrifice of the valiant soldiers. The colourful lighting every evening enhances the beauty of the smarak, creating a mesmerising sight. The granite wall inscribed with the names of bravehearts makes this site a centre of pride and inspiration.

            The district of Churu has contributed significantly to the armed forces, with nearly 25,000 soldiers having served or currently serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Since world war II, 89 soldiers from the district have made the supreme sacrifice. The district also boasts of several gallantry awards including One Maha Vir Chakra, One Military Cross, Three Kirti Chakras, Two Vir Chakras, Four Shaurya Chakras, Thirty Sena/Nau Sena Medals and One Yudh Seva Medal.

            During the ceremony, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command, honoured the brave soldiers. In his address, he emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifices of soldiers and expressed confidence that this memorial will inspire future generations to serve the nation. He stated that the site is not just a memorial but a living testament to sacrifice, bravery and patriotism. Army Commander also highlighted the commitment of Sapta Shakti Command towards the welfare and wellbeing of veterans and veer Naris. He apprised the audience about the numerous efforts made by the command in terms of ESM rallies, SPARSH outreach programmes, Rojgar Melas, Veteran Sahayata Kendras, Patient Tansit Facilities and other schemes for the welfare of Veterans and Veer Naris.

            During the event, the Army Commander felicitated Shri Basant Ji Hirawat and Shri Abhay Ji Hirawat of the Hirawat family in recognition of their contribution in construction of the Veergati Smarak. 89 Veer Naris were also felicitated on the occasion.

            The event was also attended by Lt Gen Suresh Chandra Tandi, Director General of Ordnance Services, Lt Gen Nagendra Singh, Corps Commander, Chetak Corps, Major General Ak Pundir, GOC, Ranbankura Division and Brigadier SP Dash.

               From the Churu District Administration, the event saw participation from Shri Abhishek Surana, IAS (District Collector), Captain (Navy) Dilip Singh, ZSWO, Churu, retired senior defence officers and Jan Pratinidhis of Churu. The event was hosted by Captain (Navy) Dilip Singh. Brigadier SP Dash, expressed gratitude to all the guests and dignitaries for their presence on the solemn occasion.