PREZ AT GURU’S ABODE
Kovind awards President’s Standard to two IAF units at Adampur; also visits Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar
JALANDHAR/AMRITSAR: President Ram Nath Kovind Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said while India was fully committed to peace, it would use all its might to protect the sovereignty of the nation.
At a function at the Indian Air Force (IAF) Station, Adampur, near here to present the President’s Standards to the 223 Squadron and 117 Helicopter Unit of the IAF, Kovind also complimented the air warriors for their “impeccable turnout and smart movement”.
“India’s rise in the international system has many dimensions to it. But it draws heavily from the capabilities and valour of our armed forces,” he said. The President said citizens slept securely because they knew the forces were there to protect them.
“Though we remain firmly committed to peace, we are determined to use all our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation. Each time we have had to do so, our valiant men and women in uniform have risen to the occasion,” an official release quoted the President as saying.
he President also released the first-day covers of 223 Squadron and 117 Helicopter Unit.
A fly past by MiG-29, ALH and Mi-17 helicopters was synchronised with significant events of the parade. The parade was followed by a spectacular display of precision and daredevilry by the Air Warriors Drill Team.
Speaking on the occasion, Kovind congratulated both the awardee units and complimented the personnel for the excellent parade.
He said the nation is proud of the capability and competency of the IAF. “The excellent performance of its personnel in international exercises, both at home and abroad, is indeed a glowing testimony to the level of training and preparedness of the air force.”
“The Indian Air Force, besides safeguarding the sovereign skies of our nation, has also been at the forefront of all humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. The resilience and tenacity displayed by our valiant air warriors is a great source of pride for the nation,” the President said.
The grand ceremony concluded with a breathtaking air show by the Sarang and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
Punjab governor V P Singh Badnore, state cabinet minister Rana Gurjeet Singh, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff; Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command; along with other senior defence and civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion.
VISIT TO HOLY CITY
In Amritsar, the President paid obeisance at the Golden Temple amid a tight security cover.
On his first visit to the holy city for after being elected as President, he also visited Jallianw ala Bag hand D ur giana Temple.Kovindl anded at the airport at 1.50 pm accompanied by his family, Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore and state power minister Rana Gurjit Singh. Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Punjab chief secretary Karan Avtar Singh were among those who received him at the airport. At the Golden Temple, he was received by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.
After paying his obeisance at thesanctum sanctorumand partaking langar, he was honoured by SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar, who presented him a replica of the Golden Temple, a shawl and a bouquet.
In the visitors’ book , Kovind wrote, “I am lucky to get an opportunity to pay obeisance at the holy shrine where I experienced the Sikh traditions of ‘sangat’ and ‘pangat’ which seek to end the discrimination among humans.”
The President got emotional during his visit to Jallianawala Bagh. “My eyes got moist while remembering the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. From the core of my heart, I pay tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for the country,” he wrote in the visitors’ book.
SAD (AMRITSAR) LEADERSDETAINED
Meanwhile, the police detained SAD (Amritsar) leaders Jarnail Singh Sakhira and Harbinder Singh Sandhu, who wanted to submit a memorandum to Kovind seeking return of items taken away by the army during Operation Bluestar in 1984.
( With inputs from agencies)