INDIA. Mumbai: As part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate seventy-five years of independence,(Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) the families of gallantry award winners, were felicitated at a function organized at Naval establishment INS Angre located in South Mumbai on Friday.
The Commanding Officer, Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar presided over the function and hosted family members of gallantry awardees (Late) Lt Gen Francis Dias, PVSM, AVSM, Vir Chakra, represented by his wife, Selda Dias and their granddaughter Mihika Miranda, and (Late) Capt R Subramanian represented by his father, S Ramachandran.
The afternoon proceeded with sharing of tales of valour exhibited by the heroes in the face of adversities. As a mark of respect to the courageous officers, and as an endeavour to encourage the youth of the nation to devote themselves to the service of the motherland, the citations in respect of the gallantry awards presented to the veterans were recited.
Lt Gen Dias, of the Gorkha Regiment, a war veteran who was instrumental in capturing Bogra Town during the 1971 war, was remembered in reverence, for his selfless service that aided in establishing the supremacy of the Indian forces in the Indo-Pak war. Selda Dias spoke of the stories of the brave General, whilst also recalling the pain of losing not only loved ones from one’s blood family but also from their regimental family. She shared the life lessons she learnt as a Veer Naari (brave woman) and inspired one and all present.
Capt R Subramanian made the supreme sacrifice when he led his team from the front, in an operation in the Haphruda Forest at J &K, where he pinned down three terrorists, with absolutely no regard to his safety and life. As fate would have it, the day also marked the birth anniversary of the martyr. He was remembered fondly for his devotion and fierce loyalty to the nation.
