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Ex-Servicemen along with officials of Rajya Sainik Board, Path Finders and YouthNet on the occasion of ‘India Remembers Day’ programme at Kohima War Cemetery on December 8.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 8: Rajya Sainik Board, Path Finders and YouthNet in collaboration with Rajya Sainik Board Nagaland and supported by Common Wealth War Graves Commission observed ‘India Remembers Day’ by organising a photo exhibition followed by a short programme at the Kohima War Cemetery for the first time in Nagaland along with the rest of the country.
Community groups associated with the project as well as foreign and domestic tourists, who are attending the Hornbill festival, visited the local war cemetery.
The welcome address was delivered by Lezo Putsure, Director of YouthNet, while Miss Vitono Haralu, Director of Pathfinders and state coordinator, presented the concept of the event and its importance.
Brigadier KK Roy Choudhury, SM, VSM (Retd) Secretary Rajya Sainik Board and Director Sainik Welfare, in his speech, said armed forces have been playing important role for the society since time immemorial which should be acknowledged every year. He advised the youth to continue learning and assimilate skills to build up the society as message to the upcoming generation.
The programme was attended by Ex-Service Men (ESM) from different military forces of the country. In acknowledgement, Chrysanthemum flower was given to each ex-servicemen as a symbol of gratitude for their sacrifices. Brigadier Choudhury paid respect to War Veterans, who gave their lives in the battle of Kohima.
‘India Remembers,’ is an innovative community project to honour over 13000 Indian servicemen who served and died in the 2nd world war and over 22000 personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, who gave up their lives in the service in the period following independence.
In addition, the project seeks to engage with communities across India to create awareness of the individual sacrifice of personnel of the Indian armed forces over the years.
The project aims to ‘Remember the fallen,’ ‘Honour the living,’ and ‘Foster a culture of remembrance by engaging communities, project partners and stake holders across the country in commemorative activities.’
This year, the project is engaging with over 15 diverse community groups from Punjab, Harayana, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Sikkim, Manipur, and Nagaland.