Karnataka - Belgaum   

Sepoys and officers celebrate reunion

Staff Correspondent

Chief of the Army Staff Gen. J.J. Singh participated in it

HONOUR: Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. J.J. Singh presenting the citation and medal of sacrifice to a war-widow in Belgaum on Thursday.

BELGAUM: It was a big day for members of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre(MLIRC), both serving and retired. Tears rolled down from a few eyes on the occasion of the 13th Post War Reunion of the MLIRC here on Thursday.

For the regiment with history of over 200 years enjoying the unique distinction of being affiliated to both Indian Navy (INS Mumbai) and Indian Air Force (20 AF Sqn-Sukhoi), the day was also reminiscent of the supreme sacrifices made by its sepoys and officers. It was a moment of pride for the regiment indeed to have the Chief of the Army Staff Gen. J.J. Singh on this historic occasion.

Mr. Singh, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the Maratha Light Infantry, presented the badges of sacrifice and citations to war widows and next of the kin of the martyrs.

Those who received the honours included Laxmi and Rekha, both of Bekkinkere village of Belgaum district, Sunitha of Kavathe Mahankal of Sangli and Archana of Sillod in Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

The occasion also witnessed T.P.S. Brar, son of Maj. Gen. late D.S. Brar (25-1-1905 to 30-10-1997) presenting back the medals and badges to the MLIRC. They would be kept on display at the MLIRC gallery, Mr. Singh said.

The general inaugurated the Awardees Gallery-The Hall of Valour, Hockey Field, and unveiled the statue of Sep. Namdev Jadhav at the MLIRC premises. Earlier, he laid wreaths on the War Memorial and inspected the guard of honour.

The reunion celebrations will conclude on April 7.

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