Mangaluru: Lions Clubs Int’l felicitates Indo-Pak 1971 War Veterans on R-Day Memorial Event

By Robert D’ Costa
Pics: John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 27 Jan 2021: Lions Clubs International district 317-D, in association with Association of Consulting Engineers (India) Mangaluru Center and Centre for Integrated Learning, Mangaluru organized Ek Shaam Fauji Ke Naam (felicitation of 1971 Indo-Pak war veterans and former servicemen of Indian defence forces) at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore, here on Tuesday, January 26 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

 

The patriotic songs by amateur singers from Lions Clubs resonated the pride of being Indian that echoed amongst the august gathering of former servicemen / war veterans and others.

 

Rachana Kamat sang the national anthem, Vande Bharat to usher the gathering on patriotic journey to mark 72nd Republic Day celebration.

 

The city’s young neurologist Dr Vaishnavi Kini presented all-time patriotic hit song, Ye Mere Vatan Ke………..

 

The city-based Nandagokula Dance Academy presented mesmerising welcome dance that also echoed patriotic spirit with Tri-color display.

 

Association of Consulting Engineers (India) Mangaluru Center president Arun Kumar Das welcomed the gathering.

 

Lions Clubs International district 317-D governor Dr Geethprakash, Indo-Pak war veterans army Major General I N Rai, naval Commander Gerald Paul Mascarenhas (87), army Captain Vasant Shetty, air force Sargent Boloor Sachidanand Shetty, submariner Badrayya and other dignitaries inaugurated the programme and also launched the logo of Swarnim Vijay Varsh, commemorating golden jubilee of Indo-Pak 1971 War.

 

In his message, the governor Dr Geethprakash lauded the role of farmers and armed forces who are sustaining the livelihood and guarding the borders for our peaceful day and nights respectively.

 

Mohammed Iqbal, the city’s-leading singer presented a hit song from Bollywood movie, Hakigat to transpire the gathering to delve more into patriotic spirit; followed by Dil Diya Hai…Jaan Bi Denge, Ye Watan….. by amateur singers Vimal Keerti, Vijay Mayya, Rajesh Kamat, Rachana Kamat and Vinayaka Pai from Lions Clubs fraternity.

 

A video conference with Indo-Pak 1971 War hero Major General Ian Cardozo from New Delhi was presented.

 

Cardozo in a brief message inspired the youth to be adventurous despite the threats from all fronts that are geographical frontiers, enemies and hostilities. Octogenarian Cardozo lost his leg in the war but bravely held on to the rank proving his physical fitness and became a legendary of modern warfare.

 

Vijay Vishnu Mayya, chairman – youth camps in-charge Lions Clubs International presided the programme.

 

Major General I N Rai, war veteran of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and led eliminating mercenaries/intruders and terrorists in both J&K and Nagaland, later at Kargil War delivered the keynote address.

 

In his address, Rai said, ‘War veteran never dies, but fades away.’  He cited the CREDO of defence forces: Safety, Honour and Welfare that is not of himself but of Indian citizens. ‘He is ready to sacrifice his life for the nation braving all odds. He is like a blank cheque that can be honoured at any date,’ said Rai.

 

He urged the gathering to pray for defence personnel in their daily prayers because who are giving peaceful sleep guarding our borders round the clock at 15,000 feet with -35 degree Celsius unbearable cold.

 

He hoped the stand-off between the armies of Indian and PLA resolved amicably hoping dragon retreats who is responsible for intrusion into Indian Territory provoking military intervention.

 

Lions Club Kadri Mangaluru president Ronald Gomes raised the toast for former armed personnel to have gala evening.

 

Vasant Kumar Shetty, 1st vice governor, Lions District 317-D, Sanjeth Shetty, 2nd vice district governor, Lions Club district coordinator for youth empowerment Lawrence Lobo, Lions Club Mangaluru Centurian charter president Farhan Sadak and chartered vice president Abdul Rauf and others were present.