What a colourful ceremony, echoed the spectators, after watching wreath laying ceremony, which was carried out with military precision with tri service guard, buglers & band in attendance. Numbness in the eyes of families of martyrs who graced the occasion was clearly visible when the heroic story of their beloved was recalled and when one of the each martyr’s family member was called to lay wreath.
As in past, Shaheed Smark Sanstha celebrated Vijay Divas at 1000 hrs on Saturday, 22nd December 18. The Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, PVSM, AVSM, Vice Chief of Naval Staff paid homage followed by Lt General Asit Mistry, AVSM, SM, VSM; G O C Delhi Area, Major General Rakesh Kapoor and AVM Varidachalla, representing Indian Army and Indian Air Force respectively. Thereafter, next of kin of 20 gallant martyrs, civil dignitaries, IAS and IPS officers, defence personnel, veterans, Principal of Army Public school, Mrs Jayoti Rana and her students; heads of Arun Vihar and Jalvayu Vihar institutions; and common citizens laid the wreath.
Earlier, the chief guest was received by the chairman, Lt General GL Bakshi, PVSM, Lt General SK Singh, Executive Director and Lt General YP Khurana, ceremonial head. The ceremonial tri service guard and buglers lead by Lt Cdr Pramod Kumar carried out procedure with military precision.
The choir of Students of Army Public School prepared by Mr Narang, gave a scintillating performance, which was applauded by everyone.
Admiral interacted with the families of martyrs and Mrs Mira Mistry, wife of GOC Delhi Area, distributed gifts.
The chairman welcome the Chief guest and expressed his gratitude on the behalf of Sanstha for being the chief guest. He reminded the gathering that there are many memorials in the country but Shaheed Smark is the first and only Tri-Services Memorial in the country raised by Noida to honour its war dead and only memorial which represents Army, Navy and Air Force. He thanked three service headquarter, Delhi Area, Signal Regiment, Noida Authority, Noida police, Army Public School and heads of Arun Vihar and Jal Vayu Vihar for their assistance and donations. He praised media for their contribution too.
After releasing ‘Glimpses of Events’ docket the chief guest appreciated the high standard of the function and congratulated the dedicated tem of Sanstha. He assured service HQS support IN future too. He assured the families of gallant martyrs that their loved ones will never be forgotten for their sacrifices made for our nation.
During interaction with gathering and tea, Indian Navy’s band lead by MCPO I, Madan Ram played beautiful and inspiring marshal tunes. It was applauded by one and all. The running commentary was given by Mrs Priti Das and Col OP Mehta.
Speaking to media, Cdr Narinder Mahajan, Director PR & Media, informed that the Annual Day function will be celebrated on 16 February 2019 and souvenir of Smark will be released by the Chief Guest, General Bipin Rawat, YM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC chief of the army staff.
