‘Salute the soldier’ honours defence personnel
Trishakti will observe Nov 1 every year as ‘Salute the Soldier’ day
IN a unique tribute to the retired and serving armed forces personnel, Trishakti Foundation, a city-based nongovernment organisation, founded by a group of ex-servicemen in 1989, had organised a ‘Salute the soldier’ programme at Pancard Clubs in Baner on Saturday.
A host of individuals who have had illustrious careers in the forces and other fields were felicitated at the function. Some of those felicitated were Lt Gen (Retd) N S Cheema, Air Marshal (Retd) Prakash Pingale, and Commodore K O Thakre.
Southern Command chief of staff Lt Gen R K Chhabra, Additional DGP (CID-Maharashtra) S P S Yadav and former Indian hockey star Dhanraj Pillay, who were the guests of honour, were also felicitated during the programme.
“Several nations dedicate a particular day to remember their soldiers — particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty — apart from serving and retired personnel. Henceforth, Trishakti will commemorate November 1 every year as ‘Salute the Soldier’ day,” said founder member, Trishakti, Col (Retd) SDK Patil.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhanraj Pillay said, “We should start thinking beyond mere regional considerations and work together as Indians — that is our collective identity. The sacrifices made by members of the armed forces to protect the unity and integrity of the country must never be forgotten.”