REPUBLIC DAY 2024 AT AMAR JAWAN
When a few like-minded Veterans assemble and bond together on a National Day, the euphoria created by them is bound to be priceless. It happened at 6pm on 26th Jan 2024 at Immaculate School Junction, Borivali (West), where about 12 Naval Veteran couples and 5 Veer Naris converged to celebrate 75th Republic Day and pay their 7th Anniv homage to the ‘Amar Jawan’ monument, resurrected by Veteran Octogenarian Lt Shreekant Bhende. The 26 JAN WhatsApp group of members has been meeting every year on National Days, barring the Covid years.
GENESIS
Lt Shreekant Bhende shifted to this location 11 yrs ago and noticed a dilapidated old statue peeping through the tall grass and plants on a traffic island, with its helmet missing and the gun in tatters. A pathetic sight it was and an insult to martyrs. Lt Bhende decided to restore its glory. But getting the requisite permission through the maze of municipal bureaucracy was a difficult task. He approached the municipal Commissioner who verbally approved the request to erect the ‘Amar Jawan’ monument. Lt Bhende then restored this monument by durable weather resistant FRP, that had been his lifeline for 22 yrs after his retirement. The monument was finally erected by Lt Bhende, and inaugurated by RAdm RM Bhatia, President NFMC, in the presence of RAdm S Mahindru (FOMA), Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Secy of the Foundation and other Veterans of the Navy on 07 Apr 2017, seven yrs ago. (Link on the Blog placed below)
26 JAN 2024
The Gathering of Naval Veterans, spouses and Veer Naris at Amar Jawan Borivali was unique this year for many reasons. The Ladies outnumbered Gents as 5 Veer Naris joined in at the Monument at Mary Immaculate School junction at 6 pm on Republic Day to pay respects to the soldiers KIA during our wars. Lt Shrikant Bhende, the Architect of Amar Jawan, had decided to honour the simpleton Veer Nari Akriti Sood, proud wife of Martyr Maj Anuj Sood, who laid down his Life for the Nation fighting militants in Kashmir on 02 May 2020, and was honoured with Shaurya Chakra (Posthumously). She is the proud daughter of my course-mate Veteran Cdr Kashmir Singh. GpCapt Yogesh Pai read out the Award Citation of Maj Anuj Sood as the last Post was played, after which Lt Bhenda presented the beautiful memento of Amar Jawan to Mrs Akriti Singh Sood. The meet and greet ceremony, the wreath laying, presentation and photography lasted half an hour after which the group moved to St Francis School where some Veterans and Veer Naris recounted their episodes from their Life in the Navy. The dinner to follow organised by Lt Bhende was delectable and sumptuous. Dignitaries who graced the festivities include Lt Shreekant & Mrs Indira Bhende, Gp Capt Yogesh Pai, Surg Capt & Mrs KM Shah, Cdr KK Sharma, Cdr KK Kutty, Cdr & Mrs Kashmir Singh, Cdr & Mrs Peter Saldhana, Veer Nari Mrs Anuprita Paranjape, Dr Shreelatha Bangar, Cdr & Mrs VS Shukla, Cdr & Mrs M Coutinho,Veer Nari Mrs Akriti Sood, Veer Nari Mrs Mukti Ghosh, Veer Nari Mrs Suparna Debnath and daughter.
Veteran GpCapt Yogesh Pai had been the Right hand of Lt Bhende right from planning to execution of this Grand affair. Yogesh BZ, you make us proud.
Dosto,
Shaheedon ki chittaon pe har baras lagenge mele,
Watan par mitne walon ka yehi Akiri nisan hoga.
CELEBRATIONS AT KHARGHAR
In the morning Our NFMC Veteran, Cdr Man Singh was invited for unfurling the Tricolour along with the oldest lady of the society, Mrs Chouhan, 90 yrs and preside over the Republic Day celebrations and the cultural program by Children at the Twin Towers, Sector 20, Kharghar. A High Tea had been organised for all members of the Society after the prize distribution.
In the evening the Raghunath Vihar Society conducted a cultural programme in which Cdr Vijay Vadhera, NM(G), President NFMC sang a couple of Songs on Karaoke. (Photos & Videos Below)
SAM NO VARUNAH
JAI HIND
AMAR JAWAN BLOG- Double Click the link below - https://rajdutta26.blogspot.com/2019/01/amar-jawan-monument-borivali-26-jan.html
VIDEOS
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AMAR JAWAN CELEBRATIOS
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbBOcVFkf6I&ab_channel=MeenaDutta
FLAG HOISTING AT TWIN TOWERS
CULTURAL PROGRAM
Wonderful narration of the event by Cdr Rajdutta, Secy NFMC, who so promptly keeps us informed about various activities. Naman salute to Lt Bhende sir for bringing life in the statue . Thanks to Cdr Vijay Vadhera , President NFMC, who Inspite of his busy schedule, keeps the spirit of all of us high
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Grateful SK Sir, your comment Works as a Tonic for Us..Lt Bhende is an Angel for us North West Suburban members..Cdr Vadhera is an Icon who inspires us..Regards.
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