Chandigarh, March 15 (IANS): The two-day national convention of War Decorated India began at the Manekshaw Auditorium in Chandimandir, the headquarters of the Western Command, near here, on Friday.

"Some living gallantry award winners and relatives of the deceased awardees attended the Convention. Next of kin, relatives of the awardees were felicitated today," a defence spokesman said here.

Among Victoria Cross awardees, the relatives of Late Naib Subedar Nand Singh (Sikh Regiment), Late Subedar Ram Sarup Singh (1 Punjab) and Late Badlu Ram (Cavalry) were felicitated, he said.

Among Param Vir Chakra awardees, relatives of Late Col Hoshiar Singh (Grenadiers) and Late Subedar Joginder Singh (Sikh Regiment) were felicitated.

Among Maha Vir Chakra awardees those felicitated were the relatives of late Brigadier N.S. Sandhu (Dogra), late Brigadier K.S. Chandpuri (Punjab Regiment), late Lt General Gowry Shankar (Signals), late Lt Ved Prakash Trehan (Rajputana Rifles), late Sepoy Anusuya Prasad (Mahar Regiment) and late Porter Mohammed Ismail (Punjab Regiment Civilian Porter) .

Chief of Staff Western Command Lt General P.N. Bali addressed the convention.

"Serving military men draw inspiration from such brave hearts who fought valiantly for the motherland and many of them laid down their lives," Bali said.