The concert jointly organised by Subramaniam Foundation, Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra and Sainik Welfare and Resettlement Department of the Government of Karnataka, sent a wave of patriotism among people from all walks of life including dignitaries like Governor Hans Raj Bharadwaj, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, his cabinet colleagues, Karnataka bureaucrats and eminent military officers and kith and kin of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various operations.

During the programme, the soldiers who were killed in various combat operations were honoured posthumously. Amid thunderous applause, wife of Maharashtra ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, parents of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, and relatives of Naik Annasab Jadhav, Lance Naik KC Tilaka, Lance Naik R Maria Prakash, Sapper Satteppa Tokalavar, Lance Naik S Gururaj, CT/GD Manjunath, Vijay Salaskar of anti-extortion cell chief, Arun Raghunath Chitte and Srikanth, N Manjunath and K Manjunath of Home Guard were honoured.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Bharadwaj said, he, being the son and brother of soldiers knows the pain of losing the family member in the combat operation. He felt that merely remembering a soldier is not enough. Government and the people should see that the family is not suffered and full provision and protection is given to the families of the soldier.

Col Utthaiah of Sainik Welfare Board said, since Independe nce, 359 soldiers from State embraced martyrdom, while 135 soldiers were wounded.

Patriotic songs

Patriotic sentiments ran high when Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas and playback singer Kavitha Krishnamurthy presented some popular patriotic songs including ‘Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaan-o-tan Saathiyon’, ‘Chitthi Ayi Hai Vatan Se’ and ‘Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge Aye Vatan Tere Liye’.

L Subramaniam treated the audience to some fine violin. His children Ambi and Seetha also performed at the function.