There couldn't have been a better way to say ‘we care for you’, as glowing tributes in the form of dance, music and songs were paid to the immortal battle heroes on Sunday.

Around twenty three kith and kin of the armed personnel who lost their lives while safeguarding the nation were honoured at Smarananjali- a lyrical tribute to the soldiers through dance and music, organised by Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra and the Department of Sainik Welfare.

As part of the three hour programme, various artistes performed songs, dance, music programmes.

 Noted playback singer Kavitha Krishnamurthy kicked off the event, singing ‘Dil Diya hain jaan be denge’ which was followed by popular songs like ‘Ae mere vatan ke logo’,  and ‘Sandese aate hai’.

The highlight of the programme was a performance titled ‘Vijay Bhava’, which portrayed how the armed forces guard the country against all odds.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Rameshwar Thakur said that the society should recognise the sacrifices and services of the men in uniform.

“They have given their lives, there is a need from our side, for both the government and the general public to wholeheartedly support them and their family members,” he said.

Praising the services rendered by the armed forces he said that they were the epitome of organisational excellence and performed their duties with utmost dedication - be it guarding the nation or providing aid during disasters.

Col (Retd) CM Uthaiah,director, department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement said that 350 men from the state had laid down their life during service and that there around 145 war wounded soldiers in the state.

The families of 23 martyrs were presented with mementos. Among the recipients was Subhashini Vasanth, the wife of late Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, the first Kannadiga to be conferred the Ashok Chakra.

KN Shanthkumar, director of Prajavani and Deccan Herald was among the guests of honour.