Sunderbani: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, and Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Saturday paid tributes to Vir Chakra awardee martyr Subedar Parveen Singh during the unveiling of his Shaheedi Sthal and statue at Village Devak in Sunderbani.
The memorial was unveiled by Major General G. D. Bakshi during a ceremony organised by the Kalidhar Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association to honour the martyr’s sacrifice during the 1947-48 Jammu and Kashmir operations.
Sharma laid floral tributes at the memorial in the presence of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, local residents and dignitaries.
Paying homage to the martyr, the minister said Subedar Parveen Singh’s life symbolised courage, sacrifice and devotion to the nation.
“Such heroes are the true pillars of our country. Their legacy must not only be remembered but carried forward by future generations,” he said.
Sharma said memorials and Shaheedi Sthals play an important role in inspiring youth and instilling patriotism, discipline and a sense of national responsibility.
He stressed the need to connect younger generations with the stories of soldiers who laid down their lives for the country and reiterated the government’s commitment to youth-centric initiatives, sports culture and training programmes aimed at building leadership and resilience.
The minister also praised the role of the armed forces and ex-servicemen in safeguarding the nation and appreciated the efforts of the Kalidhar Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association in preserving the memory of martyrs.
A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted according to military tradition, with Major General G.D. Bakshi laying the first wreath and unveiling the statue. Floral tributes were later paid by Sharma, other dignitaries, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and members of the public.
A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of the martyr.
Among those present on the occasion was Balk Yogeshwar Ji, besides senior members of the association and a large number of people from Sunderbani and adjoining areas.
During the event, speakers recalled the bravery of Subedar Parveen Singh during the 1948 operations in Ladakh.
They said that on September 22, 1948, in the Ladakh sector opposite Nimu Hill, he led a fighting patrol against a heavily fortified enemy position. Despite the enemy’s superior strength, he successfully led his men in capturing the post.
For his exceptional courage and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.
Earlier in the day, a procession carrying the statue of the martyr was taken out from Sunderbani Bazaar to Village Devak.
