CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Marks 75th Anniversary of All India Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Association, Honors Legacy of Gorkha Soldiers
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the All India Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Association (AIGWA) on Wednesday, paying tribute to the valor and service of Gorkha soldiers. The program was held at the Late Harbans Kapoor Memorial Auditorium, Garhi Cantt, where the Chief Minister unveiled the statue of Barrister Ari Bahadur Gurung and released the association’s souvenir.
Speaking at the event, CM Dhami highlighted the extraordinary contributions of Barrister Gurung, noting that he was not only a Member of Parliament but also played a significant role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He emphasized that the 75th-anniversary celebration is not merely an organizational milestone but a recognition of the courage, dedication, and patriotic spirit of the Gorkha soldiers, whose legacy has been preserved through centuries of service.
“The bravery and sacrifice of Gorkha soldiers are unmatched. No war saga in the world is complete without mentioning the Gorkhas,” CM Dhami remarked. He further welcomed the Government of India’s decision to grant All India status to AIGWA, describing it as a fitting tribute to the community’s prestige and contribution.
The Chief Minister praised the association for its 75 years of dedicated service, supporting lakhs of Gorkha ex-servicemen, Veer Naris (war widows), and their dependents across India. He highlighted that AIGWA has also been running free vocational training programs for youth from both Gorkha and other communities, contributing to skill development and employment opportunities nationwide.
Recalling the historic bravery of the Gorkhas, CM Dhami said, “Wherever Gorkhas have stood their ground, the enemy has never been able to prevail. For a Gorkha, the Khukri is not merely a weapon, but a pledge to defend the motherland.” He paid special homage to Major Durga Malla, Param Vir Chakra awardee Dhan Singh Thapa, and Nar Bahadur Thapa, the first Ashok Chakra recipient of independent India, acknowledging their supreme sacrifices for the nation.
CM Dhami further noted that the Gorkha community continues to play a crucial role in both national security and the development of Uttarakhand, with their hard work, discipline, and dedication visible across various sectors. He assured that the state government will always honor and respect the contributions of the Gorkha community.
On the occasion, Minister of Sainik Welfare Ganesh Joshi lauded the Gorkha Regiment’s valor across every battlefield and acknowledged their pivotal role in safeguarding India’s borders while contributing to the state’s development.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries including MLA Savita Kapoor, Secretary of the Central Sainik Welfare Board Brigadier DS Basera, President of AIGWA Colonel RS Chhetri, President of Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha Padam Singh Thapa, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AK Singh, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ramsingh Pradhan, Major (Retd.) Sammi Sabharwal, and Major (Retd.) BS Thapa.
