Chandigarh, December 7: Punjab Defense Services Welfare Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra today flagged-in the country's first-of-its-kind cycle rally on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day, during the closing ceremony at the War Memorial, Bougainvillea Park, Sector-3, here. The cycle rally was designed to raise awareness about soldiers' sacrifices and motivate the youth to join the armed forces.
In a special event organized by the Directorate of Defence Services Welfare Department Punjab, Chief Guest S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra said that this cycle rally was an unique initiative in the country to inform the general public about the Flag Day Fund, to spread awareness among the people about the sacrifices made by the soldiers of Punjab for the integrity and sovereignty of our country and to create inspiration and patriotism among the youth of Punjab as well as to encourage them to join the Armed Forces.
The Cabinet Minister urged the people of the country to contribute wholeheartedly to the flag day fund, reiterating that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is making all possible efforts for the welfare of the serving soldiers, families of martyrs and ex-servicemen.
Notably, this cycle rally, which was commenced a month ago from War Memorial, Bougainvillea Park, traversed all 23 districts of the state, covering a total distance of 1200 kilometers. It witnessed participation from 435 cyclists representing different districts. During this period, the department provided financial aid of Rs.17.75 lakh to 212 soldiers.
Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. BS Dhillon, Director of Defence Services Welfare Department, pinned the badge to the Defence Services Welfare Minister.
Later, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, along with Mrs. Jagmeet Grewal, the wife of Martyr Colonel Manpreet Singh Sena Medal and cadets of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and all the three wings of NCC Chandigarh paid tributes to the martyrs at War Memorial.
Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Principal Secretary Defence Services Welfare Mr. JM Balamurgan, Director Brig (Retd.) BS Dhillon, Deputy Director Cdr. Baljinder Singh Virk, civil dignitaries, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets and staff of defense services welfare department.