EX-SERVICEMEN AND VEERANGANAS(MARTYRS WIDOWS) HONOURED

EX-SERVICEMEN AND VEERANGANAS(MARTYRS WIDOWS) HONOURED

27-JULY-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------An honoring ceremony for ex-servicemen and *Veeranganas* was held on Sunday at the Jubilee Hall of "Shanti Smriti" Sambhavna Residential High School, located in Shubh Narayan Nagar, Majhauwa, to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event was inaugurated by Lieutenant General S.K. ...Singh; the Chief Guest, Colonel Puneet Srivastava (Commanding Officer, 5 Bihar Battalion NCC, Bhojpur); Colonel Rana Pratap Singh (Chairman, Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board, Bhojpur); Dr. Kumar Dwijendra Kiran, Director of Sambhavna School; and Principal Dr. Archana Singh jointly performed the inauguration.

The proceedings were conducted by Academic In-charge Arvind Ojha. First, the guests paid tribute to the immortal soldiers by laying flowers at a replica of the Kargil War Memorial. Subsequently, the school's female students presented a welcome song. On this occasion, Director Dr. Kumar Dwijendra and Principal Dr. Archana Singh honored the guests with traditional shawls (*ang-vastra*). Following this, the visiting dignitaries, the Director, and the Principal honored ex-servicemen and *Veeranganas* (widows of martyrs) with traditional shawls. A patriotic group song was also presented by the school's female students.

The inaugurator, Lieutenant General S.K. Singh, stated that he holds a deep, heartfelt connection with Sambhavna School. He remarked that the school's contribution to shaping the character of the children is exemplary. He affirmed his unwavering support for ex-servicemen and *Veeranganas*, inviting them to approach him without hesitation regarding any issues they might face.

Chief Guest Colonel Puneet Srivastava, Commanding Officer of the 5 Bihar Battalion NCC (Bhojpur), noted that 27 years have passed since the Kargil victory, leaving behind many memories. He mentioned that listening to the patriotic song "Kuch yaad unhe bhi kar lo, jo laut ke ghar na aaye..." (Remember those too, who did not return home...) evoked profound emotions Today is a day to honor the sacrifices made by the brave widows and mothers of martyred soldiers.

Presiding over the event, Colonel Rana Pratap Singh noted that Sambhavna School organizes this felicitation ceremony every year on July 26th. He remarked that the school community boosts morale by honoring them. NCC CHM Prashant Kumar spoke about the unique world of a soldier—distinct from civilian life—explaining that since soldiers leave their families behind to stand guard at the borders, it is the duty of everyone else to respect their parents and families.

In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Archana Singh stated that India is a land of reverence and salutation—a land defined by acts of offering and dedication. She highlighted that our soldiers serve the nation while standing guard at the borders, and urged everyone to serve the country with a similar sense of duty. She mentioned that the school has been organizing programs on Kargil Vijay Diwas for the past ten years and will continue to do so in the future.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Director Dr. Kumar Dwijendra expressed that the school feels honored to felicitate them on the occasion of Kargil Diwas. He noted that the presence of the brave widows and ex-servicemen has added prestige to the school. The program concluded with the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Dignitaries present on the occasion included NCC Major Rakesh Kumar, Prashant Kumar, NCC ANO Praveen Kumar, Shambhu Chaurasia (Ram Navami Shobha Yatra Committee), Vice Principal Rishikesh Ojha, Rajesh Raman, Art Teacher Vishnu Shankar, Sanjeev Sinha, Jaishankar, Ankit Mishra, NCC CTO Shilu, Kanhaiya Singh, and all NCC cadets.