Governor Mangubhai Patel said that the entire country bows down to brave heroes of Vijay Diwas. The nation is forever indebted to those families who sacrificed their sons for the motherland. I salute every soldier who sacrificed his life fighting till his last breath. He urged to the people of the State to move forward and co-operate in efforts to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat@2047. Patel was addressing Vijay Diwas programme organised by Indian Veterans Organisation, an ex-servicemen organisation, at Shaurya Smarak. He paid floral tributes to brave martyrs on Vijay Diwas at Shaurya Smarak. National President of the organisation Captain Joginder Singh Sengar was present on the occasion. The Governor said that 52 years ago, during India-Pakistan war of 1971, the brave sons of Mother India had liberated Bangladesh by defeating Pakistan. More than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered under the leadership of Field Marshal General Sam Manekshaw. He said that a soldier is never an ex “Once a soldier, always a soldier”. Post retirement, responsibility of soldiers towards the society increases.

 

Ex-servicemen should work to educate the society and youth with their experience, discipline and spirit of patriotism. Also, while playing the role of protective shield of the society, they must develop indigenous and self-reliance among youth. Governor Patel appreciated efforts of Indian Veterans Organisation for welfare of soldiers, war injured, differently abled soldiers including widows of soldiers and their dependents. He said that the organisation should give priority to the work of helping ex-servicemen, their families and deprived sections of rural areas. The Governor said that the society and nation which respects its martyrs and learns from their principles and works always moves towards prosperity. Patel said that the society should respect all the martyrs, their families and soldiers. We should be everready to provide them all possible assistance. He honoured wives of martyred soldiers and brave women in the programme. He presented trophies to the representatives of the organisation from different states.