A moment to cherish

PUNE, Dec 8: For the families of a number of soldiers who had laid down their lives for the nation, it was a moment to savour. A time to ...

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PUNE, Dec 8: For the families of a number of soldiers who had laid down their lives for the nation, it was a moment to savour. A time to remember the valiant who risked their lives so that their brethren could survive in peace.

More than 43 relatives of soldiers put in an appearance at the celebrations organised by the Pune District Armed Forces Flag Day Committee to mark the inauguration of the Armed forces flag day collection drive and celebration of Vijay Diwas at the Council Hall today. No formal speeches nor any relative coming forward to share their experience, it was just enough to be together and recollect.

Many could not help but shed a tear for the loss of their beloved ones. Rajeshwari Rane, wife of Param Vir Chakra award winner Major R R Rane and Suvarna Patil, wife of Col Prakash Patil who had lost his life in the anti-insurgency operations in the North East were present. So was the wife of sepoy, Laxman Patil, who died in the 1962 war or Tarabai Gore, wife of Lance Naik Gore or Malati Jagtap, wife of Naib Subedar Jagtap.

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Families of soldiers who participated in the past wars, Operation Pawan, Operation Rakshak, anti-insurgency operations in North-East and Kashmir Valley were felicitated. Financial assistance was given to deserving families to meet the expenses of medical treatment, higher education of their children and self-employement.

Director of the Sainik Welfare Department Brig Anil Shirpurkar mentioned that Maharashtra had always topped the targets set by the government for the Flag Day collections which are usually routed for the rehabilitation of the families of the soldiers. This year the target has been set at Rs 5.25 crore. So far Pune district has already collected Rs 37 lakh ranking first in the state. He also assured all possible help by his department to rehabilitate the families.

Resident deputy collector Sadanand Kocche reiterated the targets set for the Flag Day collections will definitely be met. Shivajirao Nimbalkar, Zilla Sainik Kalyan Adhikari delivered the introductory address.