Mumbai: The Indian Army marked its 66th anniversary on Wednesday in Mumbai by honouring the martyrs at the Gateway of India. And for the first time, families of martyrs were adopted by local Army units to ensure that Army assistance is available to them in the long run.
Families of 18 martyrs were present at the function where Governor of Maharashtra K Sankaranarayan gave the Veerta Puraskar. Among the awardees was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's mother. Unnikrishnan had died fighting terrorists during 26/11 at the Taj Mahal Hotel, situated right opposite the ceremony venue.
"It's not about financial assistance. It's about honour. I have not come to terms with the fact that Sandeep is not here anymore. I feel he is right here, somewhere," his father, K Unnikrishnan told NDTV.
While there will be no financial assistance, the martyr's families will be allowed to use Army infrastructure. Army schools, medical facilities and Army hostels will be open to them. This means that the families will be able to use most facilities that serving Army personnel get to use. For many, this is crucial.
Rajshri Mane, wife of martyred jawan Naik Kundlik Mane was emotional when NDTV spoke to her. She said, "My husband is like my god. My only responsibility will be to bring up my son and make him like my husband." Naik Kudlik Mane was killed in an ambush along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He hailed from Kolhapur in Maharashtra and has a little son.
Harshala Garje, who husband Major Atul Garje lost his life when his helicopter crashed, told NDTV, "This is society's respect towards the martyrs. We are here to celebrate their bravery. We are still a part of the Army family."
For the martyr's families, life often becomes a struggle. This unique gesture to extend support will look after every need of the families of these bravehearts.
Families of 18 martyrs were present at the function where Governor of Maharashtra K Sankaranarayan gave the Veerta Puraskar. Among the awardees was Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's mother. Unnikrishnan had died fighting terrorists during 26/11 at the Taj Mahal Hotel, situated right opposite the ceremony venue.
"It's not about financial assistance. It's about honour. I have not come to terms with the fact that Sandeep is not here anymore. I feel he is right here, somewhere," his father, K Unnikrishnan told NDTV.
Rajshri Mane, wife of martyred jawan Naik Kundlik Mane was emotional when NDTV spoke to her. She said, "My husband is like my god. My only responsibility will be to bring up my son and make him like my husband." Naik Kudlik Mane was killed in an ambush along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He hailed from Kolhapur in Maharashtra and has a little son.
Advertisement
For the martyr's families, life often becomes a struggle. This unique gesture to extend support will look after every need of the families of these bravehearts.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
24 Hours After Terror Attack, Encounter Continues In J&K's Doda Captain Anshuman Singh's Parents Question "Next Of Kin" Rule, Demand Its Revision "He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother": Ex Soldier Praises Op To Retrieve 3 Bodies 'Entire NEET Paper Solved In 45 Minutes Before Exam?': Top Court To Centre "Had God On My Side": Donald Trump Recounts Being Shot At During Rally 32 Dead In Bangladesh Unrest, Protesters Set Fire To State TV Headquarters "Every Time I Try To Eat Healthy" - Video Creator's Editing Skills Amaze Internet Watch: Comedian's Wholesome Interaction With Indian-Origin Woman Is Viral Donald Trump Accepts Republican Nomination Amid Chants Of USA From Crowd Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.