Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar while addressing the BSF Sainik Sammelan in Jaisalmer today told the soldiers that I am feeling a new energy after coming among you and this moment will always be memorable for me.
Recalling his student life, Mr Dhankhar said, “ I have been a student of Sainik School Chittorgarh. I wore a uniform in class 5. I know the power and importance of uniform. I have seen in my childhood how a uniform suddenly transforms you. ” Praising the dedication of the Border Security Force jawans, he said, “ I am overwhelmed to see you! The country’s first line of defence – the Border Security Force is performing its duties excellently. Your work is highly praiseworthy and admirable.”
It is worth mentioning that yesterday evening, the Vice President visited the BSF ‘s Bawalianwala border outpost in Jaisalmer and met the soldiers deployed there. On this occasion, he also paid tribute to the immortal martyrs on behalf of the grateful nation at the ‘ Tanot Vijay Stambh ‘ .
Praising the valour of the BSF jawans performing their duties in difficult conditions, Shri Dhankhar said that it is difficult to stand in such scorching heat for even a few minutes. The environment all around is challenging and you don’t even have time to blink your eyes at the border. He further said that the alertness of the BSF jawans in the high mountains of the Himalayas , the scorching desert of Thar , the dense forests of the Northeast , and the swampy Rann Creek is unmatched.
The Vice President said that the soldiers of the Border Security Force are fulfilling their motto of “lifelong duty” every moment. Remembering the sacrifices of their families, Mr Dhankhar said, “ Today I salute those mothers who have given birth to brave sons and brave women like you and dedicated them to the service of the nation. ”
Referring to the increasing participation of women in the defence forces, the Vice President said that we saw the changing picture of India on the path of duty on Republic Day, where our daughters displayed their best! I was very happy to see their participation here.
Paying tribute to the immortal martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation, Shri Dhankhar said, “ I salute those guards who are not amongst us today, who became immortal by sacrificing their lives in the protection of mother India. I also humbly salute the families of those brave soldiers. ”
Referring to India’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector, the Vice President said that there was a time when even nails were imported but now we are exporting defence equipment. Aircraft carrier Vikrant was built in the country , frigates were built in the country , Tejas was built , missiles were made and this was possible because you maintain peace on the borders. He told the BSF jawans that you are messengers of peace ; because of you India is a messenger of peace in the world and it is a matter of pride that the BSF is the largest border guarding force in the world. And I am leaving here energised , carrying a new inspiration.
Underlining the important role of BSF in the development of the country, the Vice President said that you are posted here at the border , due to which Indians are able to sleep in a safe environment and it is a result of your patience and valor that every Indian is fearlessly and confidently working towards the all-round development of the country.
The Vice President praised the Border Security Force for effectively thwarting attempts by enemies of the country to destabilize the border areas through crimes like infiltration , smuggling etc. He also called for the use of modern technology to deal with these challenges.
On this occasion, BSF Director General Dr. Nitin Agarwal , SDG of BSF Western Command Mr. Y B Khurania , Deputy Inspector General of Jaisalmer BSF Mr. Vikram Kunwar and other senior officers were present.
