27-03-2026:Ex-Servicemen Rally, Pithoragarh Address by Hon’ble Governor

Ex-Servicemen Rally, Pithoragarh Address by Hon’ble Governor

(Date: March 27, 2026)

Jai Hind!

Distinguished military officers present on the dais, representatives of the district administration, respected ex-servicemen, our brave women who embody indomitable courage, and the proud citizens of this sacred land!

Today, standing among you on the holy soil of the Sor Valley—where the air itself carries stories of valor and sacrifice—is a deeply spiritual experience for me. I bow to the soil of this frontier district of Pithoragarh, which has, generation after generation, dedicated its sons to the service of Mother India.

First and foremost, on this sacred occasion, let us pay our heartfelt tribute to the immortal martyrs who sacrificed everything in defense of the motherland. Their sacrifice is not merely a chapter in history but a guiding light in our consciousness that inspires us to always place the nation above all else.

The Zorawar Cycle Rally is not just a campaign; it is a living saga of courage, determination, and patriotism. By covering a challenging distance of 750 kilometers, the participants have proven that when there is devotion to the nation in one’s heart, no challenge remains insurmountable. This rally rekindles the bravery of the great warrior General Zorawar Singh.

Uttarakhand is not only the Land of the Gods, but also the Land of the Brave. There is hardly any war in which the brave soldiers of Pithoragarh have not shed their blood in service of Mother India. From the Kumaon Regiment to the Mahar and Naga Regiments, the warriors from this land have unfurled the national flag on some of the most difficult terrains in the world.

A military uniform is not merely clothing—it is a sacred vow to protect Mother India. When I see veterans like you, I see an unbreakable wall of the nation that has crushed every ill intention of the enemy for decades. You may retire, but a soldier is never truly “former”—he always remains a sentinel of the nation.

Our ex-servicemen are not only a priceless treasure of the nation but its living soul. They are not just symbols of past glory, but guides of the present and builders of the future. Their discipline, experience, and leadership are infusing new energy into the vision of a developed and self-reliant India. They are both an inspiration and a direction for society.

Pithoragarh is often called a “frontier” or “last district,” but it is not the end—it is the starting point of India’s security. It is from here that the nation’s strength rises. Every home here is a fortress, and every family member is an unspoken soldier. Your vigilance is the greatest safeguard of our borders.

As we transform border areas through the “Vibrant Village” initiative, the role of ex-servicemen becomes crucial. You are the bridge that connects government schemes to the people and helps tackle challenges like migration.

Both the central and state governments are expressing their gratitude to ex-servicemen not just through words but through concrete actions. The implementation of “One Rank One Pension” is proof of fulfilling a long-pending demand.

The state government has significantly increased scholarships, pensions, and honor amounts for gallantry awards for soldiers and their dependents. Our goal is clear: a soldier who has given the best years of life to the nation must live a dignified and worry-free life after retirement.

I understand that access to healthcare is a major priority for our veterans. Strengthening Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) centers and expanding mobile health units in remote areas is high on our agenda.

In the era of Digital India, pension-related discrepancies are being addressed through the “SPARSH” portal. Instructions have been given to district soldiers’ welfare boards to proactively reach out to veterans so they do not have to run from office to office.

I bow my head in respect to the brave women present here today. While a soldier fights at the border, the family performs silent sacrifices at home. The nation can never repay your patience and sacrifice, but it will always remember your contribution with gratitude.

Today, substance abuse is emerging as a serious challenge in Uttarakhand. Guiding the youth of this sacred land in the right direction is our collective responsibility, and your role in this is vital. I urge all ex-servicemen to mentor the youth in your villages. The discipline and patriotism you instill will protect the next generation from going astray.

After retirement, your technical skills and leadership can give a new direction to the state’s economy. Ex-servicemen are already playing leading roles in homestay schemes, organic farming, and marketing of local products. The government is supporting you with low-interest loans and training to become entrepreneurs.

Our government is constructing a grand “Sainik Dham” in Dehradun, which will be revered as the fifth sacred shrine of Uttarakhand. The foundation of this shrine includes sacred soil from the homes of martyrs across the state, including Pithoragarh. It will remind future generations of the price of our freedom.

The spirit of “Nation First” is the mantra of a developed India. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made this principle a shared value among citizens. When every individual places the nation above self, only then can a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India be built. Our ex-servicemen are living examples of this ideal.

In conclusion, I want to say that the doors of Lok Bhavan are always open for our ex-servicemen. Your concerns are my concerns. We are building an ecosystem where a veteran does not need recommendations for rightful work.

A nation that honors its heroes creates history. We are proud to have such ex-servicemen whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment continue to inspire a stronger, safer, and more prosperous India.

Your bravery is our pride,
Your honor is our culture,
And your welfare is our commitment.

And I say with full confidence—
As long as India’s soldiers stand vigilant,
India will remain safe, strong, and invincible.

Let us all resolve together to make this land of gods and warriors even stronger, prosperous, and secure. Once again, I conclude by paying tribute to all those brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation.

Vande Mataram! Victory to Mother India! Jai Hind!