Sri Shanmukha Shaurya Ratna Award
In a unique partnership between a civil society
dominantly into furthering fine arts and
the Armed forces, the Sabha with the active
support and participation of the Army and their
families under GoC (Maharashtra, Gujarat and
Goa) celebrates the Independence day and the
Republic day in remembrance of the sacrifice of
the armed forces to the nation. Independence
day is devoted to Veer Naaris, widows of men
in uniform from this command area who had
laid down their lives in the previous year
defending the integrity and sovereignty of
the nation. The Republic day is celebrated as
“Wounded Warrior” day. The paraplegics from
the various Army units are invited to the Sabha
and honoured. Each paraplegic unit is also given
a substantial grant one unit every year.
The Sabha thus has been manifesting its
gratitude to armed forces as well those who
support the efforts at all levels to inspire and
motivate the armed forces to the highest level
of professional perfection. The Sabha seeks to
institutionalise a forum that encourages people
participation in national defence, acknowledge
the contribution of some of these guardians of
our frontiers outside the arena of line of action
that inspire ordinary citizens to be ever in awe
and be grateful to them. The Sri Shanmukha
Shaurya Ratna is a step in that direction. In
honouring them, we are honouring ourselves.
In a significant departure from the
convention, the Sabha conferred the year's
Shaurya Ratna Award on Village Apshinge in
Satara District, Maharashtra. This is the only
military village in the country where every
household has atleast one person serving in
the Indian Army. The village has a population
of about 3000 and has about 350 families staying therein. 75 war veterans from the
village under the leadership of Brig. (Retd.)
Mohan Nikam were felicitated on the occasion.
The Sabha also increased the prize money for
the year to Rs. 5,00,000/-.
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