<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif"><b>GANGTOK,:</b> Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Wednesday inaugurated the expanded memorial complex ‘Sikkim Prerna Sthal’ at Bardang in East Sikkim, in the presence of Major General M.S. Rathore, General Officer Commanding (GoC), Black Cat Division, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, and families of the martyrs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The memorial has been conceptualised under the aegis of the Governor’s Secretariat and executed by the Indian Army in collaboration with the State government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Sikkim Prerna Sthal stands as a tribute to 22 Indian Army soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice at Bardang during the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster in October 2023. The first phase of the memorial, which included the Sakalya Udyan (Holistic Healing Park), was inaugurated on October 11, 2024. In 2025, a 72-foot high mast National Flag was installed at the site.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">In 2026, recognising Bardang as the gateway to Sikkim, the memorial complex was further expanded with CSR support from the Cello Foundation. The expanded complex now commemorates martyrs from Sikkim as well as soldiers from across the country who laid down their lives while serving in the State. It covers 13 operations, with 294 names engraved at the site.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The upgraded memorial also features several visitor facilities, including the Rannbhoomi AV Hall showcasing the martial history of Sikkim, a cafeteria, a reflexology park, and other public spaces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Addressing the inaugural function, Governor Om Prakash Mathur said the memorial is a fitting tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty while safeguarding the nation. He stated that the initial plan was to build the Prerna Sthal at Bardang to honour the 22 soldiers who were martyred in the 2023 GLOF disaster. However, during his visit, he felt the need to expand the vision to include all bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">He said the expansion of the memorial was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Indian Army, the State government, and civil support through CSR contributions. It is a matter of great pride for Sikkim to have such a grand memorial, which also includes the names of soldiers from the State, he added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The Governor also spoke about India’s military history, noting that while the 1962 war remains a painful chapter, the 1967 clashes demonstrated the bravery and resilience of Indian soldiers. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Union Defence Minister, the country’s armed forces have seen holistic development and are now well-equipped on all fronts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Highlighting the Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative, the Governor said efforts are being made to promote battlefield tourism in the region. This includes the development of locations such as Doka La, Cho La tourist view points, and Nathu La Pass. He added that steps would be taken in consultation with the State government to develop Sikkim Prerna Sthal as a major tourist destination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">He expressed confidence that the memorial would not only serve as a place of remembrance but also inspire future generations to imbibe the values of bravery, determination, hard work, and sacrifice for the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of CSR partners, including Motilal Oswal and the Cello Foundation, for supporting the development of the memorial, and extended his gratitude for their involvement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Earlier, Major General M.S. Rathore, GoC of 17 Mountain Division, also addressed the gathering.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">The programme also witnessed the launch of two documentaries titled Lt. General Sagat Singh and Sentinels of Sikkim. Cultural performances and a self-defence (Taekwondo) demonstration by students from various schools under the State Sports department were also presented on the occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">It may be recalled that in October 2023, a devastating GLOF struck Sikkim, causing widespread destruction. During the disaster, 22 Indian Army personnel deployed at Bardang lost their lives in the line of duty.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">To honour their sacrifice, the Sikkim Prerna Sthal was conceptualised and developed in phases under the Governor’s Secretariat, with execution by the Indian Army in collaboration with the State government. The memorial now stands as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national pride, while also contributing to the promotion of heritage and tourism in the State.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
from www.sikkimexpress.com https://ift.tt/mYwlX4y
via IFTTT
The Menu of this blog is loading..........
0 Comments