‘You can take a person out of Nagpur, but never Nagpur out of a person’

 

 

 

“You can take a person out of Nagpur, but never Nagpur out of a person,” said General Manoj Pande (Retd) PVSM AVSM VSM ADC, the 20th Chief of Army Staff, at the Nag Bhushan Award ceremony held at a city hotel on Saturday. Nag Bhushan Foundation conferred Nag Bhushan Award to General Pande (Retd) for his exceptional work in the Armed Forces. At the ceremony, Divya Deshmukh, International Master in Chess, was honoured with Yuva Nag Bhushan Award. Divya was honoured for her pivotal role in India’s success story at the Chess Olympiad held at Budapest, recently. While addressing the august gathering, General Pande said, “In last 40 years, Nagpur city has transformed drastically. It has world-class roads, infrastructure, hospitals, educational institutions etc. Despite all this, charm and character of the city are intact.” Elaborating the nostalgia, the former Chief of Army Staff said, “Nagpur’s speciality is simplicity and behaviour of the people.

 

 

 

The human relation, their hard work and connection with the grassroots are some of the qualities the city has. Every person in this hall represents these qualities. The same values, skills and character of the city I tried to follow while in the Indian Army. My all achievements are the outcome of the same values that I got from my home town.” “The support that I got from my parents, the guidance that I got from my teachers and the love that I got from my family members and friends always led me towards success in life,” expressed General Pande. While talking about the Indian Armed Forces, General Pande said, “Nagpur city has produced many bravehearts who served in the Armed Forces. Nagpur has a rich history of Armed Forces. There are many defence establishments here.

 

The defence industries also are flourishing in Nagpur, representing the city in the global market.” “Indian Armed Forces play an important role in maintaining good external and internal environment which contribute to the ongoing progress of the country. For this role, our Army, Air Force and Navy are always ready and doing their job exceptionally. We are ready to face future challenges,” added General Pande. General Pande was honoured with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, shawl, bouquet and a memento at the hands of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport. Divya Deshmukh was honoured with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, shawl, bouquet and a memento. Addressing the gathering, Gadkari appreciated the efforts of both the awardees. He specially expressed about his personal relation with General Manoj Pande and his family. He also felicitated General Pande’s father C G Pande, who also graced the programme. General Pande was accompanied by his wife Archana Pande. At the outset, Adv Nishant Gandhi, Secretary, Nag Bhushan Foundation, informed the gathering about achievements of the awardees. Ajay Sancheti, President of the Foundation, presided over the event. Vilas Kale, Working President, made introductory remarks. Satish Goel, Treasurer, also shared the dais. Kumar Kale proposed a vote of thanks. A large number of veterans, dignitaries and citizens also were present at the programme.