Satara to celebrate Diwali with ex-servicemen and parents of fallen soldiers on November 10

A special programme titled 'Ek Diya Sainikon Ke Liye' (A Lamp for the Soldiers) will be held in Satara on Tuesday, November 10. Diwali will be celebrated with ex-servicemen, war widows (veer naris) and the parents of fallen soldiers (veer mata-pita).

The programme is scheduled for 4.30 pm at Mahasainik Bhavan, TCPC, Satara. It is being held to salute the bravery of soldiers who sacrificed their lives guarding the country's borders, and the sacrifice of their families.

The event has been organised on the conception and initiative of Shambhuraj Desai, the state's Minister for Tourism and Ex-Servicemen Welfare and the Guardian Minister of Satara. Its main aim is to express gratitude to soldiers who serve day and night at the border. The effort will be to celebrate a joyous festival like Diwali in honour of soldiers and with their families.

Ex-servicemen, war widows and the parents of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country will be specially honoured at the programme. A musical evening has also been arranged in their honour. Soldiers' families will be included in the Diwali celebrations as a mark of respect for their sacrifice.

Soldiers often live away from their families to serve the country. It is because of their duty that people can celebrate festivals in a safe environment. The message of the initiative is that society must remain aware of the contribution of their families.

The courage, restraint and devotion to the country shown by the families left behind are as inspiring as the sacrifice of the soldiers fighting at the border. The initiative is considered important so that society understands the suffering borne by war widows and parents of fallen soldiers, and so that respect for ex-servicemen grows deeper.

The occasion will not be limited to lighting a lamp; it will also carry the message of preserving the memory of the soldiers' sacrifice. Shankar Malavde, a recipient of the Sena Medal, has appealed to all ex-servicemen of Satara district to attend. Citizens have also been invited to take part to express their gratitude to soldiers.