A salute to courage: Rajouri and Poonch victims of Operation Sindoor facilitated by Nana Patekar

In a deeply moving ceremony held at Raina Auditorium, Rajouri (J&K), the Nirmala Gajanan Foundation (NGF) joined hands with the White Knight Corps to felicitate the victims of enemy action during Operation Sindoor. A total of 117 beneficiaries from Rajouri and Poonch districts many of whom lost loved ones, homes or suffered injuries were honoured with dignity, compassion and heartfelt recognition.

The auditorium resonated with emotion as Padma Shri awardee and renowned actor Nana Patekar graced the occasion. He personally met each individual, offering comfort and reassurance to families who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of tragedy. Many beneficiaries, overwhelmed by the gesture, expressed their gratitude with tears in their eyes, highlighting the profound impact of the ceremony.

The event saw the presence of distinguished dignitaries from both the civil administration and the Indian Army. Among them were representatives of NGF, DIG JKP, DIG BSF, DC Rajouri, SSP Rajouri and Principal GMC Rajouri, showcasing the joint effort of government, Armed Forces and non-profit organisations in supporting affected families.

Following the felicitation, attendees interacted with civil dignitaries and military

officers informally, sharing words of encouragement, hope and solidarity. Shri Nana Patekar also spent time with gallantry award winners of Operation Sindoor, personally acknowledging their extraordinary valour and sacrifice.

A joint media briefing was later held by Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherjee, GOC, Ace of  Spades Division, Nana Patekar and DC Rajouri highlighting the noble initiative and reinforced the message of national unity, compassion and support for families affected by conflict.

The ceremony stood as a testament to the unifying spirit of the nation, reflecting how the Army, civil administration and Nirmala Gajanan Foundation can come together to provide hope and support in times of distress. Special appreciation was extended to NGF for their unwavering commitment to the people of Rajouri and Poonch, ensuring that the victims of conflict are honoured with dignity and respect.