Panaji, December 09, 2018 … Department of Sainik Welfare, Panaji observed annual Armed Forces Flag Day at Raj Bhavan recently. The Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day of India is a day dedicated towards the collection of funds from people of India for the welfare of the Indian Armed Forces personnel. It has been observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949.
Governor Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha, Chief Secretary Shri. Dharmendra Sharma IAS, DGP Shri. Muktesh Chander IPS, Commandant HQ 2 STC Brig. A.K. Sharma and Secretary of Department of Sainik Welfare (DSW) Major. Venugopal Nair(Retd) was present on the occasion.
In her address to the gathering, the Governor congratulated the Sainik Welfare Department and its staff for working towards the betterment of ex-servicemen in the state. “We must have the feeling of gratitude towards the armed forces. It is because of them, that we can live a peaceful life. However, being a patriot is also equally important. We must inculcate this feeling among young children; only then we can imagine about a powerful India,” the Governor said. She also appreciated the proposed initiative of a retirement home for abandoned defense veterans and widows and veer naris.
The program began with Major. Venugopal Nair(Retd) giving an outline about projects planned by the DSW for the ex-servicemen in the state. “An old age home for abandoned veterans, veer naris and widows is an upcoming project undertaken by the DSW with the help of NGOs and the Government. In the current year 2018, many activities were undertaken in villages of Goa to understand the grievances of families of ex-servicemen and to encourage youth to join defense forces. All the activities gained a huge response from the public,” Major Nair informed.
The Governor distributed awards to Government departments for collecting highest funds towards Sainik Welfare. The 1st place was bagged by Commissioner of Excise, 2nd – Directorate of Education and 3rd – Directorate of Panchayat who also bagged the ‘Ummid se Jyada’ puraskar given for exceeding the collection target.
Smt. Usha Nevrekar proposed the vote of thanks. The function was attended by ex-servicemen and their families, senior Govt. officials among others.
