The Sabha celebrated the 79th Independence Day jointly with the Indian Army. A tradition that has evolved over the decade between the Sabha and the Armed Forces to celebrate both the national days. The Independence day is in honour of the Fallen Soldier.
This year the celebrations assumed greater significance due to Operation Sindoor. The mite of the Armed Forces and the technological superiority of the arsenals in our armoury had gained the attention of the entire world. Even the most advanced nations were awe struck by the precision and the perfection of our actions. Whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, electronic warfare or long range vectors, the operation marked a milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance in military operations. Effective deployment of Made in India BrahMos missile was another highlight of Operation Sindoor. Immaculate planning and flawless conduct of operations ensured that the terrorist network and infrastructure were decimated, enemy military capability decapitated and the political and military objective achieved in a record time. In addition to recalling the selfless service of the freedom fighters who brought unto us freedom from foreign yolk 79 years ago, it was an occasion for the civil society to express its gratitude to the men-in-uniform for their exceptional courage, valour, patriotism and selfless service.
Operation Sindoor created a new awakening, a new self confidence across the country and forced the world to acknowledge India’s strength. India’s spirituality can be instrumental for peace while its military prowess will ensure that the country’s enemies have no place on this earth. This year the Sabha felicitated families of 25 Fallen Heroes of yesteryears. They were givena solatium of Rs. 2,00,000/- each and several mementos of common utility of value of about Rs. 50,000/-. These families were drawn from Maharashtra.
14 civilians were reported to have been killed and 59 injured in Pakistan shelling after India struck terror bases deep inside Pakistan on 07.05.2025. The casualties occurred in Poonch and the Indian Army effectively responded to the firing. Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LOC opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor areas. The Sabha left no stone unturned in getting details of the brave civilians who fell to the guns. They are no less than men-in-uniform who sacrificed their lives ever since independence in ensuring the safety, security and sovereignty of the nation. These heroes’ families were honoured on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day.
The Sabha is extremely proud of having reached out to these families in distress and brought in a little smile and succour in their hour of grief. They travelled over3,500 kms to reach Mumbai and accept the felicitation. The family members of the following deceased civilians were honoured:
The Sabha gave a solatium of Rs. 2.50 lakhs to each of these families and the cost of travel from Jammu / interior J&K to Srinagar and then to Mumbai and back and boarding / lodging and internal travel. This is the first time ever a felicitation was being done after Operation Sindoor. It caught the attention of the countrymen.
The Shanmukha Shaurya Ratna Award was given to Ms. Devika Natwarlal Rotawan who survived the 26/11/2008 Mumbai terror attack. At just 9 years of age, she gave evidence against Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab leading to his death sentence and thereby rendering justice to the victims of the dastardly inhuman acts of terror. She was given the prize money of Rs. 2,50,000/- and mementos.
Sur Bahar, the musical troupe of respected medical professionals gave a soulful rendition of patriotic songs. Maj. Gen. Satinder Singh, SM – Managing Director and Chairman, Board of Administration, Canteen Stores Department (CSD) of the Indian Army presided over the functionand gave away the awards and felicitation. Brig. Gyan Trivedi, Station Commander, Mumbai was the Guest of Honour alongwith Maj. Gen. Bikramdeep Singh, SM, VSM (retd.), Chief of Staff, GoC (Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa area).
Since inception of the project to felicitate families of Fallen Heroes, the Sabha has honoured each year, as under.
The 79th Independence day celebrations were sponsored by Shriram Seva Sankalp Foundation, Saraswat Bank Co-operative Bank Ltd., National Payments Corporation of India, Encube Ethicals Pvt. Ltd., Hetero Group, S. I. Investments Pvt. Ltd., Nihchal Israni Foundation, Dynacons Systems and Solutions Ltd., Alkem Laboratories Limited and Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
The office of General Officer Commanding (Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa) had organised a function at Nagpur on 8th March 2026 to felicitate the Next to Kins of 20 Fallen Soldiers from the area. The Sabha provided the full complement of gifts and mementos to the families. The Fallen Soldiers whose families were honoured on the occasion were :