PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Garhwal Green Ground, Garhi Cantonment in Dehradun on Saturday where he gave Deepawali wishes to the Jawans. He gave the sweets to the soldiers and wished them a Happy Diwali.
Dhami said that being among the brave soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment felt like celebrating Deepawali with his own family. ” Protecting the country while staying away from home and family during the festival is a unique example of dedication and patriotism. While countrymen celebrate Diwali with their families, our brave soldiers remain vigilant on the borders, fulfilling the responsibility of their happiness and safety. Behind the lamps lit in our homes are the sacrifices of the soldiers and the dedication of their families,’’ he said.
Paying homage to all the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country, including Jaswant Singh Rawat, the CM said that the history of the Garhwal Regiment is a glorious saga of indomitable courage, discipline, patriotism and sacrifice.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s military power and strategic capabilities are continuously strengthening. Through surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor, India has sent a clear message that national security will not be compromised. Self-reliance in the defence sector, military modernization, and the production of indigenous defence equipment are being promoted.
He said that the State government has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the dependents of martyred soldiers from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Under the scheme to employ a family member of a martyred soldier in government service, several dependents have been provided government jobs.
Divisional commissioner, Garhwal Anand Swaroop, IG Garhwal Rajiv Swaroop, Uttarakhand Sub Area Deputy GOC Brigadier RS Thapa and others attended the programme.
