The contributions of the nation’s brave martyrs in keeping India’s democracy alive, strong and vibrant is unparalleled and invaluable, said OP Yadav, SDM, Palampur, and Assistant Returning Officer, on Sunday. He added that it was because of the supreme sacrifices made by courageous soldiers in safeguarding the country’s borders and integrity that citizens were able to exercise their democratic rights fearlessly in an independent nation. Yadav was speaking during a special programme organised by the district administration to honour the families of the martyrs during the ongoing elections to the Palampur Municipal Corporation. Yadav honoured Dr NK Kalia and Vijay Kalia, parents of Capt Saurabh Kalia, at the Sughar-1 polling station while Asha Walia, sister of Major Sudhir Walia, was honoured at the Banuri-2 polling station. The administration expressed respect and gratitude towards the martyrs and honoured their families at various polling stations in the municipal area.
The SDM recalled the unmatched courage, valour and patriotism displayed by the brave soldiers and said that the freedom and democratic rights enjoyed by citizens today were rooted in the sacrifices and blood of these martyrs. “Elections are not merely a process for choosing a government but the greatest festival of democracy. On such a sacred occasion, remembering immortal martyrs, who had laid down their lives for the nation, bowing before their families and acknowledging their contributions towards the country is the moral responsibility of every citizen,” he added.
Palampur MLA Ashish Butail appreciated Yadav’s gesture and said that the supreme sacrifices made by the martyrs could never be forgotten. He added that the country holds the highest regard for their families and such occasions remind the nation of their invaluable contributions.
The family members of the martyrs, administrative officials, employees and the staff deployed on election duty were present on the occasion.