As a befitting tribute to the gallantry services rendered by the Army personnel in the post independent era, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements for laying the foundation stone of prestigious Punjab State War Heroes Memorial & Museum at Amritsar on February 12. A high level meeting with the top brass of the state government and renowned personalities from armed forces presided over by Badal gave the final touches to this historic event in which nearly 25000 ex-servicemen and 40-50,000 people from across the state were expected to participate to pay glowing tributes to the defence personnel for their heroic deeds.The Chief Minister asked the officers of Defence Services department to ensure elaborate arrangements for organizing this state level function as a grand success.
Badal was informed in the meeting by the Director Sainik Welfare department Brig. (Retd) Manit Singh that Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, General Shankar Rai Chaudhary, General Deepak Kapur and General JJ Singh (all Ex-Army Chiefs) besides Admiral Madhvender Singh and Admiral VS Sekhawat both Ex-Navy Chiefs have consented to attend this mega event. It was decided in the meeting that students in uniform from Sainik School Kapurthala, PPS Nabha, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Institute Mohali and NCC cadets of senior pision of Amritsar would also enthusiastically participate in the function. All the ex-defence personnel including former chiefs and awardees of Parmveer Chakar, Mahaveer Chakar and its equivalent awardees would be honoured by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister also gave nod to lay the foundation stone of State-of-the-art War Memorial by unveiling the plaque at the site of the function. Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Advisor to CM on National Affairs & Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Coordination Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary Defence Welfare Mr. SR Laddar besides Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar Mr. Ravi Bhagat, Jalandhar Mr. Varun Rujham, Kapurthala Mr. DS Mangat and Tarn Taran Mr.Balwinder Singh.