Srinagar, Jan 26: Income Tax Department, Srinagar celebrated 75th Republic Day at Aakyar Bhawan, Rajbagh Srinagar with pride and reverence.
The department had dedicated this year’s Republic day to honour War heroes and their dependents who made supreme sacrifices for the country.
The Republic day celebrations began by welcoming the Chief Guest M.P Singh, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, J&K and Ladakh and by giving him ceremonial Guard of Honour followed by unfurling of the National Flagwith the accompaniment of the National Anthem.
The event was graced by other officers of the department including Shakil Ahmad Ganie (Dy.Commissioner of Income Tax), Syed Junaid (Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax), Income Tax Officers namely Karamvir, MaiseeMeena, Sumit Kumar, Ankit Dhaka along with officials and outsourced staff of the department.
In the true spirit of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, to show gratitude to our committed war heroes, the Income Tax Department on this auspicious occasion invited the Veer Naris, War veterans & Next of kins of martyred soldiers as special guests for the occasion. Prominent local businessmen Sh. Surjeet Singh & Sh. Inderjeet Singh, owners of Peaks Auto Pvt. Ltd. were also invited to attend the event.
Karamvir started the proceedings by giving a brief introduction about historical significance of this day and how drafting committee of our constitution headed by Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar drafted the lengthiest written constitution in the world.
Later, Shakil Ahamd Ganie welcomed the war heroes and their family members for gracing the event with their motivating presence. As a token of respect and gratitude, Chief Guest M.P Singh along with Surjeet Singh & Inderjeet Singh felicitated the War widows & War veterans and disbursed Induction heaters to all of them.
The war veterans and Veer Naris honoured during the event were those who defended the country during the Indo-Pak wars held during 1965, 1971 & 1999, brave soldiers who laid down their lives in Operation Rakshak in J& K & Veer naris of soldiers of JK Militia.
A two minute silence was also observed to remember the supreme sacrifices made by the brave soldiers in line of duty and to safeguard our country.
Later, Mr. Singh in his address highlighted the legacy of the Republic Day and asked all officers and staff to rededicate themselves to making India a strong democracy committed to the values of justice, equality and liberty.
He emphasized that celebrating Republic Day reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices made to achieve independence and that as citizens of the largest democracy in the world, it is incumbent on us to nurture our democracy and ensure that the coming generations also enjoy the freedom of living in a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
Mr. Singh also expressed his happiness at meeting the war heroes & Veer Naris and paid tributes to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the Nation.
He described the veterans as important assets of the nation who are an inspiration to every Indian. He also urged the participants to take a pledge that being responsible citizens of this great country we must uphold the integrity and sovereignty of the country and play our part in overall development of the country.
Mr. Singh also expressed pleasure in sharing that people of J&K are rapidly developing a sense of belongingness and inclusiveness & are embracing the path of peace and prosperity which is a dream of every Indian citizen for the past few decades.
Later, Mr. Karamvir took the stage and thanked the special guests majority of whom despite being from far flung areas of J& K were kind enough to accept the department’s invitation and grace the event with their kind presence and made it a memorable day for all. The event concluded with high tea and refreshment for all.
