SPEECH OF HONOURABLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF REZANG LA DAY AT BANYAN TREE SCHOOL, CHANDIGARH ON NOVEMBER 18, 2023

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  • 2023-11-18 13:55

I am happy to know that SUVICHAR, is commemorating the Rezang La Day today. 
Rezang La was a battle that has set exceptional examples of courage, gut and valour of our armed forces. 
I take pride in saluting the 104 soldiers of Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment who fought the Chinese against all odds. 
It was a saga of unparalleled bravery as Major Shaitan Singh and these soldiers had made the supreme sacrifice, fighting one of the world’s rarest ‘last man, last bullet’ battles.
The Defence Minister Sh Rajnath Singh ji had dedicated the Ahir Dham memorial at Chushul to the nation on this day in 2021. 
The Rezang La memorial as an epitome of the passion, determination and fearless spirit of the bravehearts of the country.
We have just seen the film giving details of the famous battle, for me, personally, it is a humbling experience.
Friends,
The long history of sacrifices of armed forces is a testimony to the solemn oath that every soldier takes “TO DEFEND THE NATION EVEN ON THE PERIL OF LIFE”.
They never hesitated even for a second to sacrifice their lives to keep Indian Tricolour flying high with pride.
Every citizen feels that “He or She is in safe- hands on the arrival of Armed forces in any type of manmade or natural disasters”. The nation looks upon the Armed Forces as a guardian angels during earthquake, floods, cyclones and even during pandemic.
I am of the opinion that service in Armed Forces is dedicating one’s self to a greater purpose; a purpose that is not motivated by greed or profit; a purpose that is not motivated by individual recognition or fame. 
The purpose is to support and defend the unity and integrity of motherland. This is a selfless cause, and I am truly humbled when I get to talk to the outstanding men and women from armed forces.
I have been told that some kin of the martyrs are present with us today, my Namaskar to them. 
As every one of us knows that not only the soldiers serve the Nation but their family members also equally serve the nation and endure the hardships.
It becomes the duty of each one of us, as a society, to give assurance to their dependents that we are indebted with their valour displayed in every war.
I do also welcome the initiative of Yaduvanshi Mahasabha of Tricity Chandigarh who commemorate this day every year and remember the sacrifice of the martyr’s.
Every Indian is rightly proud of their utmost courage and the  grateful nation owes a debt of gratitude to them.
We are very fortunate that three living legends, the Param Vir Chakra awardees are with us today. Major D P Singh, who lost his legs during the Kargil war but did not give up and has run 26 Half-Marathons including many in high altitude, is also with us. 
Their inspiring stories are worth emulation by the youth of today and to that extent, I am happy that this event has been organized in a school. 
Before I conclude, I would like to say that it is not only the time to honor those who have fought or are fighting for our freedom ... It is also the time for all of us to uphold and protect our freedom.
Protecting freedom is not only the responsibility of the soldiers, but it is also the responsibility and duty of each one of us to give our full cooperation in protecting it.
If we want to preserve our freedom, we must put our responsibilities and duties into action – for example, by speaking out against injustice. Similarly, we can do this by volunteering in our communities or by teaching our children what it really means to be an Indian.
This day is not just a day dedicated to Razang La heroes– it is also a day for all Indians . It is a day to remember why they fought for us and our country. This day is the day for all of us to start our journey to protect our freedom and the freedom of many generations to come .
Thank you,   
Jai Hind,
Jai Bharat.