Mangalore: Citizens pay homage to martyrs on Vijay Diwas

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Dec 16: On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, commemorating India's military victory over Pakistan in 1971 that resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh, the citizens on Monday December 16 gathered at the War Memorial in Kadri Park and paid homage to the martyrs of the war.

The solemn ceremony was organized by DK District Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Mangalore under the aegis of Lions Clubs International, District 317 D and Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple Trust (R).

After accepting the guard of honour and laying wreaths at the memorial, IGP (western range) Pratap Reddy in his address said, “We are proud to remember the great sacrifices and services of martyrs to this country. The memories will remain eternal. I also express my gratitude to the defence officers from the army, navy and the air force who guard the country."

Vijaynath Vittal Shetty, chief co-coordinator of Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple Trust said, “People organize various programmes but they fail to invite and recognize the contribution by the ex-servicemen, which is disappointing. People should support the nation's servicemen."

"Defence service is where a person sacrifices his life for the sake of the nation. It is sad that only 5 cents of land has been provided to the ex-servicemen’s building in the city. The work has remained incomplete. Ex-servicemen are offering their pension money for this building. People must render their support in the construction of this building. The ex-servicemen plan to educate others on the importance of defence in the country. All organizations and institutions should come forward for this good cause," he added.

Lion K C Prabhu, district governor of Lions District 317 announced a sum of Rs 1 lac for the building and in his address said, "The families of ex-servicemen are also providing good service to the society. We should really salute their love and passion for the country. On behalf of Lions Clubs International, District 317 D, I am announcing this amount for the construction of the building."

Colonel N Sharath Bhandary, president of DK District Ex-Servicemen’s Association also spoke on this occasion. He announced a sum of Rs 51,000 which will be contributed by Dr Fakruddin Kunil.

On this occasion, ZP CEO and interim DC Tulasi Maddineni, Manish Karbikar, S M Airan, LT Colonel N P Pai, Colonel S R Ram, officials of army, navy and air force officials and others were present.