Dogra regiment’s contribution to country invaluable: Shandil
Health and Social Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said the 8th Dogra Regiment had made an incomparable contribution to the country.
Shandil, a retired Colonel from the Army, participated as the chief guest at an event organised on the 77th foundation day of the 8th Battalion of Dogra Regiment in Jwalamukhi today. He said the Dogra battalion was formed on February 1, 1948, and it contributed in 1962, 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars. Bhandari Ram of Bilaspur from Dogra battalion was awarded the Victoria Cross, due to which this battalion is also known as the Victoria Cross Battalion, he said.
He added that wherever this battalion was deployed, it showed its unique valour. Himachal Pradesh is not only devbhoomi but also veerbhoomi. The brave soldiers of the state are known for their indomitable courage, valour and sacrifice, he said.
The first Param Vir Chakra of the state was won by Major Somnath Sharma. Captain Vikram Batra, Colonel DS Thapa and Major Sanjay Singh have also displayed amazing valour and registered their names in the category of Param Vir Chakra, Shandil said.
He added that honouring our brave soldiers, a total amount of Rs 1,87,13,448 has been allocated to 620 gallantry award winners during the current tenure of the state government. A war memorial has also been built in Dharamsala in honour of our martyrs. Along with this, the construction of a war museum is also in progress here with the aim of spreading the stories of these heroes.
He thanked the ex-servicemen for attending the event and announced to give Rs 31,000 for this ceremony from his discretionary fund. On the occasion, Colonel (retd) Shobha Singh accompanied him, who represented this battalion from 1994 to 1997.