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 every year.

The Sabha has thus 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.

Col. Vembu Shankar was conferred this award on 15th August 2023. An army veteran, he received the gallantry award of Shaurya Chakra. He opted for premature retirement to initiate a one man philanthropic initiative to connect with the families of the Indian Army physical casualties (soldiers who die while in service due to accidents, medical conditions, etc.) through project Sambandh. Allthough the Indian army assists Next of Kin (NoK) in the initial years after an army personnel’s death, the connection gets slowly lost in later years. Over the last few years, Colonel Vembu Shankar has mapped over 15000 NoKs and connected them to the authorities. It had also helped the families to be in touch with the units and regiments their dear one had served.