Be proud at all times, not just on occasions, India war heroes urge youth

Dubai - On the occasion of India's 70th Republic Day on Saturday, three Indian war veterans and parents of two war martyrs were felicitated at two separate events in Dubai.

Indian war heroes have urged the youth to retain the spirit of patriotism throughout the year.
Speaking to a packed hall in Dubai on Saturday, Major Raveendran, a former Army major in-charge of a mission that had to find the perpetrators behind the former prime minister Rajeev Gandhi's assassination, said: "We hold the flags on two special days. On all other days, we forget who we are... Even if you disrespect the Army, don't insult them."
On the occasion of India's 70th Republic Day on Saturday, three Indian war veterans and parents of two war martyrs were felicitated at two separate events in Dubai. War veterans Rear Admiral (retired) K Mohanan, who was the captain of INS Vikrant during the 1971 war against Pakistan; and Lt-Cdr Praveen, who took part in the 1994 UN Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia; and former Major Raveendran, director and actor, were part of the felicitation programme.
Parents of Kargil war martyr PV Vikram - Kalyani Panicker and PKPV Panicker - and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan - Unnikrishnan and Dhanya Lakshmi - were also recognised. Major Unnikrishnan was killed during the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
Rear Admiral K Mohanan shared some of his experiences from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. "I was the last operational captain of the INS Vikrant and it was an honour to have been part of such an elite force."
Unnikrishnan, father of late Major Unnikrishnan, who was killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks questioned, "The true heroes who have fought wars have seem comrades dying. But, for what? They are doing it for us."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai