CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Martyrs at Honor Ceremony in Lansdowne, Announces Key Welfare Measures
Lansdowne (Pauri Garhwal): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Martyrs’ Honor Ceremony held in the military town of Lansdowne on Sunday. Paying homage to the immortal heroic tales of India’s brave soldiers, the Chief Minister said that “Military Dham is not merely a structure of bricks and stones, but a living symbol of immortal souls that will inspire generations to come.”
Tribute to the Brave Sons of the Soil
At the ceremony, Chief Minister Dhami honored the families and dependents of martyrs by presenting them with copper plates and robes. He inspected the Army band and extended warm wishes to the personnel. The Chief Minister also laid a wreath at the statue of Amar Shaheed Gabbar Singh Negi, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, and paid solemn tribute to his supreme sacrifice.
The Chief Minister lit a ceremonial lamp in front of copper urns containing sacred soil collected from the courtyards of martyrs across different districts. This sacred soil will soon be enshrined at the grand Military Dham (Shrine) being constructed in Dehradun. A minute’s silence was observed in honor of the martyrs.
Major Announcements by the Chief Minister
During the event, Chief Minister Dhami made several key announcements aimed at enhancing facilities and welfare for soldiers and their families:
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Renovation of Sainik Vishram Griha, Kotdwar – to be modernized with better amenities.
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Common Service Centers – to be established in the Directorate and District Sainik Welfare Offices, offering free services through Veer Naris and ex-servicemen.
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Financial Assistance – for the renovation of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Center Museum, Lansdowne.
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Upgradation of Primary Health Center, Jayharikhal.
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Naming of Institutions & Roads in Honor of Martyrs:
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GIC Kartia – to be named after Martyr Kamal Singh Rawat
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High School Dobariyasar – after Martyr Anuj Singh Negi
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Barua–Chinbo Road – after Martyr Keshavanand Dhyani
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Primary Health Center – after Martyr Harish Joshi
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Jayharikhal–Gumkhal Road – after Martyr Khushal Singh Negi
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He also announced that all World War II veterans and widows will now receive honorariums, with the condition of not receiving other grants being removed.
Strengthening Welfare Initiatives for Soldiers
Chief Minister Dhami reiterated that nearly every household in Uttarakhand has a military connection, and the state government is committed to their welfare.
He highlighted several key steps already taken:
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Ex-gratia amount for martyr families increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
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Param Vir Chakra awardees to receive ₹1.5 crore.
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₹10,000 assistance for last rites of martyrs.
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25% stamp duty exemption on land purchases for soldiers.
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Employment assistance – 28 martyr families appointed in government service, 13 more cases in process.
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Application deadline for appointments extended from 2 years to 5 years.
Military Shrine: A Living Tribute
The Chief Minister said that the Military Shrine (Sainya Dham) is a tribute to those who laid down their lives for the nation.
He added, “The Martyrs’ Honor Yatra 2.0, held from September 25 to October 4, is dedicated to the tears and pride of the martyrs’ families. The sacred soil from their courtyards will forever enshrine their memory in the Military Shrine, inspiring generations with patriotism.”
He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign “One Tree in the Name of Martyrs,” modeled after the One Tree in the Name of Mother initiative.
Military Welfare Minister and Other Dignitaries Speak
Military Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi informed that the second phase of the Martyrs’ Honor Yatra 2.0, which began from Dehradun on September 25, concluded in Lansdowne. Sacred soil from the homes of 71 additional martyrs has been collected and will be installed at the Amar Jawan Jyoti prior to the inauguration of the shrine. He thanked the Chief Minister for his unwavering commitment to the honor and welfare of soldiers and Veer Naris.
Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt emphasized that “Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also Veerbhoomi.” He commended the state’s decision to provide 10% reservation for soldiers and firefighters in Group C uniformed government services.
MLA Dilip Singh Rawat paid heartfelt tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs, while a special video showcasing the Martyrs’ Honor Yatra was screened for attendees, highlighting the glorious history and contributions of the bravehearts.
Unity and Gratitude
Secretary, Military Welfare Department, Deependra Chaudhary, expressed gratitude to all guests, martyr families, and citizens for their participation. He said that the event symbolizes the united resolve of the government and people toward completing the Military Dham—a monument of respect and remembrance.
Dignitaries Present
Among those present were District Panchayat Chairperson Rachna Butola, MLA Pauri Rajkumar Pori, Colonel of the Regiment Lt. Gen. D.S. Rana, Lt. Maj. Sharat Chandra (Retd.), Brigadier Vinod Singh Negi, Vice Chairman of Gau Seva Aayog Pt. Rajendra Anthwal, District Magistrate Swati S. Bhadoria, Senior Superintendent of Police Lokeshwar Singh, and Mayor of Kotdwar Shailendra Singh Rawat.
