25-05-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of “An Evening Dedicated to Soldiers”

(Date: May 25, 2026)

Jai Hind!

Senior officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; officers of the paramilitary forces and police administration; our proud soldiers decorated with gallantry awards; ex-servicemen; brave women; and respected members of military families—

I extend my heartfelt welcome and greetings to all of you on this historic, dignified, and glorious evening at Lok Bhavan, Nainital.

Friends, this evening is not merely a cultural event; it is a sacred occasion to salute the indomitable courage, unparalleled sacrifice, discipline, and devotion to the motherland displayed by our nation’s defenders, who have dedicated every moment of their lives to safeguarding Mother India and upholding the honour and pride of our tricolour.

Today, I stand before you not merely as the Governor, but as a soldier among my own military family. Though the uniform may represent just one chapter of life, the spirit of “Nation First” never fades.

Military life does not only make a person a warrior on the battlefield; it transforms them into an individual devoted for life to discipline, duty, and service to the nation.

Many moments spent on the borders during my years as a soldier and commander still remain vivid in my memory. The extraordinary courage, patience, and commitment with which our जवानs stand guard in difficult mountains, icy posts, and adverse conditions is a matter of immense pride and inspiration for the entire nation. The whole country salutes your sacrifice, dedication, and unmatched bravery with deep respect.

Your presence today in the valleys of Lok Bhavan has transformed this place into a warm gathering of the military family. The presence of our nation’s protectors has illuminated this campus with pride, honour, and patriotic spirit. As long as our soldiers stand vigilant on the borders, the unity, integrity, and democracy of our nation remain secure.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always been a sacred land of valour, courage, and patriotism. Whether it is the Kumaon Regiment or the Garhwal Rifles, the brave sons of Uttarakhand have always brought glory to Mother India through their courage and sacrifice on the borders. Their stories of heroism will continue to inspire future generations to serve the motherland.

Today, I especially bow in respect to our brave women and military families. When a soldier stands firm at the border, the family standing behind him also participates in the service of the nation with equal strength, patience, and courage. If the sacrifice of soldiers is visible at the borders, the silent dedication of their families strengthens the nation from within. The nation shall always remain indebted to all of you.

The programme “An Evening Dedicated to Soldiers” has today become a powerful tradition and a living celebration of national spirit. This fourth edition, organised by the Uttarakhand Soldiers Rehabilitation Institution, is a heartfelt expression of society’s collective gratitude toward soldiers and ex-servicemen who have dedicated everything for the security, honour, and unity of the nation.

Today’s occasion is especially sacred as we honour those distinguished soldiers who have been decorated with gallantry awards by the Government of India. Their stories of bravery are not merely golden chapters of military history, but enduring inspirations of patriotism, sacrifice, and duty for the younger generation.

It is also a matter of great pride that even after retirement, our ex-servicemen continue to make remarkable contributions in the fields of education, social service, rural development, and nation-building, thereby providing new direction to society.

As the Chairman of the Uttarakhand Soldiers Rehabilitation Institution, I wish to tell my fellow veterans: you are never truly “former” soldiers. You will always remain a source of inspiration for nation-building and a powerful symbol of national consciousness.

The respect and welfare of soldiers and ex-servicemen are not only the responsibility of the government, but also the moral duty of society as a whole. Guided by this spirit, the Uttarakhand Soldiers Rehabilitation Institution is continuously carrying out commendable work to ensure dignified, self-reliant, and secure lives for military families.

I am pleased to share that the schemes run by the institution are being periodically reviewed and upgraded so that soldiers, veterans, and brave women can receive more effective assistance.

Several sensitive support mechanisms have also been implemented for the honour, security, and welfare of the families of martyrs and ex-servicemen. These initiatives stand as strong proof of our gratitude, compassion, and commitment toward our national responsibilities.

Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the nation is moving forward with the resolve of “Developed India @2047.” In this national mission, the role of our soldiers, ex-servicemen, and military families is extremely significant.

On this inspiring occasion, I especially call upon the youth of the state to imbibe in their lives the discipline, courage, sacrifice, and patriotism demonstrated by our soldiers.

Our soldiers are not only protectors of the borders, but living ideals of character, duty, and service to the nation. If the younger generation embraces these values and moves forward, the resolve of a developed India will become even stronger.

As this emotional evening concludes, I would like to say that “An Evening Dedicated to Soldiers” is not merely an event, but a humble expression of the nation’s respect, gratitude, and reverence toward its heroes.

Let us all take a pledge together to always uphold the honour of our soldiers and preserve the unity and integrity of the nation above all else. As long as such brave sons of Mother India stand among us, the dignity and identity of our nation shall always remain secure and inviolable.

Let us move forward with the same resolve of national service and unity—

“With determination, I shall achieve victory!”

Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!