During the fourth cultural evening of the International Shivratri Festival in Mandi, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan honoured Veer Naris (war widows) and Veer Matas (mothers of martyrs) in a heartfelt ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that honouring the families of martyrs is a matter of immense pride for society. He emphasized that these families have dedicated their loved ones to the service of the nation, and their sacrifices will always be remembered with gratitude.
He stated that the supreme sacrifices of brave soldiers ensure the security of the country’s borders, while the courage and resilience of their families inspire future generations with a spirit of patriotism. The district administration, he added, remains committed to supporting and honouring these families.
Tribute to Brave Families
Several Veer Naris were felicitated during the ceremony, including the wife of a martyr from the 13 Dogra Regiment who laid down his life during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, and families of soldiers who attained martyrdom during operations such as Operation Rakshak, Operation Meghdoot, and Operation Parakram in Jammu & Kashmir, Siachen Glacier, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.
Among those honoured were the families of personnel from regiments including Assam Rifles, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, Grenadiers, Dogra Regiment, Para Special Forces, Field Regiment, and Punjab Regiment. The ceremony also recognized mothers of martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
One of the recently honoured martyrs included a Subedar from 2 Para Special Forces who was martyred in an anti-terror operation in Kishtwar in 2024 and had been awarded the Sena Medal for bravery.
A Salute to India’s Real Heroes
The Deputy Commissioner described Veer Naris and Veer Matas as the nation’s true heritage. He said their courage and sacrifice serve as a guiding light for society and urged citizens to draw inspiration from their strength to contribute toward nation-building.
The solemn yet proud ceremony during the International Shivratri Festival Mandi added a deeply emotional and patriotic dimension to the cultural celebrations, reminding everyone that behind every brave soldier stands an equally courageous family.
