Rachna Khaira
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, December 7

Voices of remembrance were heard on Monday when the nation stood together to observe the 66th Armed Forces Flag Day to bring alive the memories of those who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives in wars fought to retain the sovereignty of the country.
The day was observed with solemn gaiety at the Punjab State War Memorial in the city on Monday. Maj Gen Deepak Dhanda, SM, Chief Of Staff, Vajra Corps, was the chief guest on the occasion and Girish Dayalan, Additional Deputy Commissioner, was the guest of Honour on the occasion. The dignitaries infused patriotism with a new zeal into the atmosphere during their address to the armed forces personnel and students present.
“Naam, Namak aur Nishan’- Nishan means flag are inseparable to those wearing uniform until their last breath. It is a matter of immense pride for us to maintain the sovereignty of the national flag as we either hoist the flag in the enemy’s area by winning over or come back after getting draped in it,” said Gen Dhanda.
He also informed that Vajra Corps is working with the fully equipped Veteran Felicitation Centre (VRC) and Army placement cell here in the city. Since January 2015, nine officers and 157 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and 376 other ranks were rehabilitated after being given jobs in various fields. The Vajra Corps also donated Rs 1 lakh to the district administration as contribution to the Armed Forces Flag Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Girish Dayalan said as a civil servant, he was sensitised about the armed forces and the contribution of their families in their absence. “Keeping in mind the supreme sacrifice and contribution of armed forces here in the region, the district administration has decided to dedicate a mural to Mahavir Chakra winners from the district at the BMC Chowk,” said Dayalan.
He said the District Sainik Welfare Board at Jalandhar is on top for the last many years. “We have been on the top for years for collecting the maximum contribution on Flag Day. Last year, it was Rs 21 lakh. This time, we have already contributed Rs16 lakhs and are hopeful of touching the figure of Rs 30 lakh by the end of this financial year,” said Dayalan.
In his address, Brig (retd) Minhas, Vice-President, District Sainik Welfare Board, said the department has state-of-the-art infrastructure and has introduced many preparatory courses for various competitive exams for the wards of serving and retired personnel. “The department has made a legacy to serve the ex-servicemen and their families with compassion and zeal and we will maintain it forever,” said Brig Minhas.
Also present on the occasion were Col (retd) KPS Atwal, Distict Sainik Welfare officer (DSWO) and Col (retd) HP Singh, a former DSWO. The department also distributed sewing machines, blankets and cheques to the beneficiaries comprising war heroes and widows.
History of Armed Forces Flag Day
The First World War, which is celebrated every year as Armistice Day on November 11, was named as Poppy Day because the souvenirs of poppies were operated to benefit the ex-army men as well as their relatives. After getting the freedom from the British, the Indian Government decided to pay attention to the army men and their relatives.
A special commission constituted by the Government of India on August 28 in 1949 declared that Flag Day would be celebrated annually on December 7 to collect funds from the public by selling India’s flag for the well-being of the staff of the armed forces. Army men in India perform their duty for the safety and security of the people, so it is also the duty of the common people towards the army men who are ready to sacrifice their lives in the battle.
Importance and objectives
Armed Forces Flag Day in India is celebrated annually to remember all the sacrifices of the personnel of Army, Air Force and Navy. The event is organised to receive collaboration from the public to make available rehabilitation to the families of war victims, to offer welfare to the serving personnel as well as their relatives and to help in the resettlement and well-being of ex-servicemen and their relatives.
Fund set up in 1949
The original Flag Day Fund was set up in 1949 by the Defence Minister’s Committee The fund collection is managed throughout the country by the local arm of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), which is a part of the Ministry of Defence The fund collection is managed both by official and non-official means through voluntary organisations Over the years, it has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers, airmen and sailors of India.
On Flag Day, all three branches of the Indian armed forces, the Army, Air Force and the Navy, arrange a variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes to showcase the talent of their personnel. India has the world’s third largest military force with 1.3 million active personnel, 1.15 million reserve personnel and 1.3 million paramilitary personnel.