Flag Day: MP govt assures veterans of cooperation

Bhopal, Dec 7 (UNI) On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, Bhopal Collector S K Mishra today assured that the Madhya Pradesh government and the district administration would continue to wholeheartedly implement the welfare schemes chalked out by the State Sainik Board and district units.

''The sense of security and discipline in society is due to the Indian Armed Forces and that is praiseworthy. This nation's youth will build on the solid foundation laid by you,'' the bureaucrat, who is also the President, Bhopal District Sainik Board (DSB), told a distinguished gathering in the Board premises.

Among those present were Major-General (Retd) Ashok Kumar; Brigadier (Retd) K P 'Tom' Pandey, Maha Vir Chakra; Brig (Retd) S C Kural; Colonel (Retd) S Kumar, Vishisht Seva Medal; personnel from the 3 Electronics and Mechanical Engineers Centre in nearby Bairagarh, Divisional Commissioner (Bhopal) B R Naidu and National Cadet Corps (Army Wing) cadets.

Welcoming the gathering, Lieutenant-Colonel (Retd) Suresh Chandra Dixit, who is the District Sainik Welfare Officer and Secretary, DSB, Bhopal, said, ''this is a very important festival for us.

Representatives of the past, present and future of the Armed Forces are here as I see veterans, serving personnel and NCC cadets.'' Turning the pages of history, the Lt-Colonel said that in 1949, the cabinet's defence committee decided that Flag Day would be observed on December 7 throughout the country. A concerted effort is made on this day to raise donations from the public.

''Local schools and the officialdom have fully cooperated with me in that regard,'' said Lt-Col Dixit.

''If Flag Day is properly observed and propagated, fine young men and women will enlist in the Armed Forces and enhance the latter's prestige,'' felt Maj-Gen Ashok Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Brig Kural said, ''patriotism is the only sentiment that can take a country forward.'' ''State-wise collections are not only properly accounted for but are spent as per the policies decided by a committee headed by the governor,'' said Col S Kumar, who is the Bhopal DSB's vice-president.

The ceremonial lamp was lit by Brig Pandey and the other veterans who also released a booklet along with the bureaucrat duo.

Flag Day brings to the fore the obligation of looking after disabled comrades, widows and dependents of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

UNI AC PK GC1631