*Ex-servicemen receive a gift, CM inaugurates CSD canteen and Sainik Milan Kendra.*
*The public and public representatives gave the Chief Minister a grand welcome during his road show, showering flowers.*
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated as the chief guest at the Gaurav Sainik Samman ceremony, organized by the Seva Sankalp Dharini Foundation, at the CSD canteen in Khetalsanda, Khatima, on Thursday, to commemorate the sixth death anniversary of the late Subedar Sher Singh Dhami. On this occasion, he inaugurated the CSD canteen, constructed at a cost of ₹715.51 lakh, and the Sainik Milan Kendra, constructed at a cost of ₹162.26 lakh.
During the program, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the portrait of his father, the late Subedar Sher Singh Dhami, and paid homage to the martyrs by laying flowers on their portraits. He also honored the families of the martyrs and brave women by presenting them shawls. He honored 60 brave women and 80 brave warriors on this occasion.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that this is a deeply emotional moment for him, as this event is being held in memory of his father. He said that the day six years ago was the saddest day of his life when he lost his father. He explained that his father’s thoughts, principles, and life of struggle still inspire him and guide him at every step.
The Chief Minister said that his father treated his uniform with utmost respect and decorum. He taught him that for a soldier, his uniform represents his honor and responsibility. He also said that his father taught him that politics is not a means to attain power, but a path to public service.
The Chief Minister said that his father served in the Mahar Regiment for 28 years, contributing to important operations such as the 1962 Indo-China War, the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars, and Operation Bluestar and Operation Rakshak. He said that as a child, he would listen to stories of brave soldiers from his father, which inspired him to patriotism and sacrifice. He said that although he himself is not in the military, he considers soldiers his role model and serves the nation. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country’s defense sector has made remarkable progress. Today, India is rapidly progressing in defense production and exports.
The Chief Minister said that the country’s defense production, which was approximately ₹46,000 crore in 2014-15, has increased to ₹1.54 lakh crore in 2024-25. Defense exports have also increased to ₹38,000 crore. He said that today India is providing defense equipment to more than 80 countries, which is a symbol of the country’s growing strategic power.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is working with full commitment for the welfare of soldiers, martyrs, and their families. The ex-gratia amount given to the families of martyrs has been increased, and government jobs are being provided to dependents. Additionally, the financial assistance given to soldiers receiving gallantry awards has also been significantly increased.
The Chief Minister stated that the amount awarded to soldiers honored with the Param Vir Chakra has been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore. Additionally, a grand military shrine is being constructed in Dehradun, which will inspire patriotism in future generations. The state government has extended the application period for government jobs for the families of martyrs from ₹2 to ₹5.
Soldier Welfare Minister Shri Ganesh Joshi, in his address at the event, stated that honoring soldiers is a matter of pride for all of us. He added that the state government is continuously working for the welfare of soldiers and will make further efforts in this direction in the future.
The Chief Minister’s mother, Vishna Devi, and the Chief Minister’s wife, Geeta Pushkar Dhami, were also present at the event.
Cabinet Ministers Pradeep Batra, Ram Singh Kaida, and other public representatives and officials were present on the occasion.