Praising India's armed services, paramilitaries and Jammu and Kashmir Police for their courage, relentless bravery a selfless sacrifice while defending the motherland against inimical forces, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said this spirit of service before self was nothing but awe inspiring.
In his Independence Day speech delivered at the Bakshi Satdium Governor Sinha said, "I pay humble obeisance to our great ancestors, martyrs and freedom fighters, and the revered souls who had awakened the consciousness of this nation and guaranteed equality of all and empowerment of the poor and the underprivileged.
"On the 77th anniversary of our Independence, I pay tribute to the brave soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Security Forces and the armed forces, whose awe inspiring courage, relentless bravery and selfless sacrifice in the defense of the motherland has become the guiding light for the entire nation," he added.
He further stated, "Last year, on this very day, I had announced that a Balidaan Stambh shall be built in their honour and memory. This sacred pilgrimage, being developed in the heart of Srinagar, shall be our tribute to the jawans of the army, paramilitary forces and police personnel who laid down their lives in combatting terrorism, and it shall inspire the new generation to walk the righteous path."
The Lt Governor said that the new generation is being enlightened about the sacrifices of India's brave martyrs, and added that they are being remembered and honoured across Jammu and Kashmir to mark the celebration of Independence Day.
The young generation is realising the virtues of supreme sacrifice and remembering all those whose dedication and committment kept our flag flying high and ensured a society that is on the road to progress.
"On this auspicious occasion, I want to assure our brave soldiers guarding the borders that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation, stand shoulder to shoulder with you. We believe in peace, we believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and mutual goodwill. We are fully committed to safeguard national interests and, if provoked, we are capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression," Sinha said.
"I bow down in reverence to the families of martyrs. We are continuously taking concrete measures for their families, so that they can live a life of comfort and dignity," he added.