Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 2: A portrait of Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous) Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar was unveiled in a ceremony held on Monday November 1 at World Konkani Hall of Fame, World Konkani Centre here.
Shakuntala Ajit Bhandarkar, the widow of the braveheart unveiled and garlanded the portrait of Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar who was martyred 22 years ago on October 30, 1999 in an operation to eliminate terrorists in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. He fell after eliminating 3 terrorists in the operations. He was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra medal by the President of India for his supreme sacrifice.
All the trustees of the World Konkani Centre were present on the occasion. Capt Ramadas Kamath an associate of Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar was also present on the occasion.
Thereafter in a ceremony held at the auditorium, the trustees of the World Konkani Centre honoured Shakuntala Bhandarkar.
Remembering the sacrifice of Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar, Shakuntala Bhandarkar said, “When Ajit was martyred, I felt devastated along with our two children who were very young. But Ajit’s sacrifice kept inspiring me to continue in his path and today I am very proud to say, both our children, Akshay and Nirbhay joined armed forces in the service of the mother India.” She also thanked World Konkani Centre for perpetuating the memory of Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar by installing his portrait at the hall of fame. She said, “Nothing greater than the love and affection bestowed by mother. Konkani language has been on our tongues every moment. Both my sons speak fluent Konkani.” She also interacted with the students and audience gathered in a QA session.
CA Nandagopal Shenoy, secretary of World Konkani Centre, welcomed the guests. President Basti Vaman Shenoy in his message said, “Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar’s supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation has made mother Konkani and whole of Konkani Community very proud. I on behalf of 50 lac Konkani people living all over the world, salute the soul of Ajit Bhandarkar. His name will be in the memory of Konkani people for eternity. He is a role model and I call upon the young Konkani people, to join armed forces in the service of the nation.”
Vice president of the World Konkani Centre, Gilbert D’Souza presided over the function. Trustee Pradeep G Pai thanked the guest for accepting the honour on behalf of World Konkani Centre.
World Konkani Hall of Fame is a portrait gallery established at World Konkani Centre is named after Andaru Vittal Kini and Rukmini V Kini and exhibits the portraits of Konkani luminaries who served for the betterment of Konkani language, culture and society in general.