Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday participated in a program organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the All India Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Association. Held at the Late Harbansh Kapoor Memorial Auditorium in Garhi Cantt, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled a statue of Barrister Ari Bahadur Gurung and released the association’s souvenir. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister noted that Barrister Ari Bahadur Gurung was not only a Member of Parliament but also made a significant contribution to the drafting of the Indian Constitution. The Chief Minister emphasized that this is not just a celebration of an organization, but also a celebration of the indomitable courage, dedication, patriotism, and glorious tradition that Gorkha soldiers have upheld through their valor for centuries. He said that the valor and sacrifice of Gorkha soldiers are recognized by the fact that no war story in the world is complete without the Gorkhas. Therefore, the Government of India’s granting of All India status to the All India Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association is a recognition of the community’s prestige and contribution.
The Chief Minister said that over the past 75 years, the Association has performed its role with honesty, transparency, and dedication. Today, millions of Gorkha ex-servicemen, brave women, and their dependents living in various states are benefiting from this organization. He said that
For the past several years, AGUWA has been running free vocational training programs across India, involving youth from both the Gorkha community and other communities.
The Chief Minister said that the tales of the Gorkhas’ indomitable courage and bravery are etched in the pages of history. It is said that “where the Gorkhas have stood, the enemy has never been able to stand.” For Gorkha soldiers, the khukri is not just a weapon but also a pledge to protect the motherland. Gorkha soldiers have played a vital role in protecting the country’s borders for centuries. Every citizen of India is grateful for this bravery, sacrifice, and service to the nation.
The Chief Minister said that it is impossible to forget the unparalleled valor of immortal hero Major Durga Mall. Similarly, countless heroes like Dhan Singh Thapa, awarded the Param Vir Chakra, and Nar Bahadur Thapa, the first Ashok Chakra winner of independent India, made the supreme sacrifice to protect Mother India.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of pride for all of us that today the Gorkha community is playing a vital role not only in protecting our borders but also in the development of our state. The hard work, discipline, and dedication of the Gorkha community are clearly visible in every field. He said that the state government also always views the bravery and invaluable contributions of the Gorkha community with respect and honor.
On this occasion, Military Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said that the soldiers of the Gorkha Regiment have demonstrated their indomitable bravery and valor in every war, on every front. He said that the Gorkha community is not only playing an important role in the security of the country’s borders, but is also making a significant contribution in the overall development of the state. On this occasion, MLA Mrs. Savita Kapoor, Secretary Central Sainik Welfare Board Brigadier DS Basera, President of All India Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association Colonel RS Chhetri, President of Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha Padma Singh Thapa, Lt. (Retd.) AK Singh, Lt. (Retd.) Ram Singh Pradhan, Maj (Retd.) Sammi Sabbarwal, Major (Retd.) BS Thapa participated.
