“It’s a fact that I sleep peacefully, thanks to the protection of our borders by the Indian Army. I am alive and free to enjoy time with my family because of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. I acknowledge this—do you?”
Syed Showket
The Indian Army at Baramulla commemorated Army Day on the 15th of January at the Dagger Division. The event, organized as the Shaan-e-Varmul Award, aimed to honour the recognized heroes of Baramulla who have made exceptional contributions to society through their timeless dedication and selfless service.
The award ceremony, held at Thimayya Hall on Army Day, was a vibrant yet distinguished event that recognized individuals from various fields for their invaluable contributions to the community in Baramulla. Dignitaries, achievers, and citizens gathered on January 15, 2025, to celebrate these outstanding individuals who have played remarkable roles in the growth and upliftment of society across diverse sectors.
A captivating performance by the Chinar YUVA cultural group enthralled the audience, showcasing Baramulla’s cultural legacy. It will be remembered that the YUVA group has choreographed the Rouf dance for over 10000 girls in Baramulla in August last year- leading to creation of a World Record by the girls of Baramulla for the Largest Kashmiri Folk Dance. The group was felicitated by the Guest of Honour, acknowledging their relentless efforts in preserving and promoting local art and culture.
On the occasion Chief Guest expressed profound admiration for the awardees, emphasizing that their relentless dedication serves as an inspiration for future generations. The event was organised by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps on the occasion of Army Day and was attended by the Who is Who of Baramulla. “Shaan-e-Varmul is an initiative that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals who have made a positive impact on Baramulla. The objective is to honour their selfless service, dedication, and perseverance, inspiring others to contribute to the growth and development of the community, and fostering a sense of community pride and ownership.” The organizers expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to foster community development, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and inspire others to contribute to the fabric of Baramulla’s progress.
The stories of the Army awardees demonstrated that every individual has the potential to contribute to the greater good. The event inspired the younger generation to draw motivation from these local heroes and actively participate in driving social, cultural, and economic growth.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the great heroes of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives for the integrity and security of our nation. It was attended by hundreds of children, members of civil society, legislative assembly representatives, writers, and social activists. The occasion was further enriched by cultural programs and heartfelt tributes to the Indian Army’s role in Kashmir and its commitment to safeguarding the security and integrity of the nation.
Army Day, celebrated on the 15th of January every year, has gained notable attention in Kashmir in recent years. It is a day to honour and respect the men who place our lives above their own—a rare breed of individuals who embody courage and selflessness. Many of these brave soldiers are often seen patrolling the treacherous and hilly terrains of Kashmir, ever alert to face any challenges to ensure our safety and secure a peaceful future.
The Indian Army’s noble work deserves to be celebrated wholeheartedly. Every moment of their service should be recognized and respected. The nature of their duty is incredibly demanding and rigorous. The remarkable sacrifices made by the Indian Army to defend the integrity and sovereignty of our nation must be acknowledged and celebrated, both at the state and national levels. Their bravery and selflessness deserve to be immortalized in golden letters.
We can never forget pivotal moments such as the Indian Army’s landing in J&K during the 1947–48 war with Pakistan over Kashmir, their victory in the 1965 war, their decisive triumph in the 1971 war leading to the historic surrender, or the valor they displayed during the Kargil war in 1999. Our Army has consistently safeguarded our nation, ensuring that our people live with dignity, honor, and security. It is through their sacrifices that we enjoy peace, progress, and prosperity today.
Our soldiers have made us proud by emerging victorious in every battle against adversaries. Winning four wars is undoubtedly a matter of immense pride and should be celebrated across every corner of the country. It is essential for all citizens to understand that the Army is not a performance-driven entity like the film industry, where popularity is sought. Instead, it is an institution where bravery, sacrifice, and honor are cultivated. These martyrs deserve our utmost respect and a salute that should never go unnoticed.
Since independence, the soldiers and jawans of the Indian Army have served the nation with unmatched pride and dedication, often laying down their lives to protect the country. Army Day is observed to honor these valiant individuals and to celebrate the tradition of ultimate sacrifice. The life of a soldier is one of unparalleled commitment and discipline. They are the protectors and defenders of our nation, standing against both internal and external threats.
When the entire country sleeps, our soldiers remain vigilant, patrolling deserts, mountains, and snowbound terrains in full battle gear, all without complaint. Their personal lives often take a backseat—permission for marriage might need to be sought from the commanding officer, not the priest, and festive celebrations with family and friends are rare luxuries. For soldiers, duty is a lifelong commitment: you can take a man out of the ‘Fauj,’ but you cannot take the ‘Fauj’ out of the man. Indeed, it is a profession that chooses you, not the other way around.
It is worth noting that Army Day is a national occasion that deserves nationwide recognition and celebration. Sadly, this day has often gone unnoticed, with no significant acknowledgment from former Kashmiri chief ministers or ministers. Their silence, even on social media platforms like Twitter, reflects a missed opportunity to honour the sacrifices of our soldiers.
The nation must celebrate Army Day as fervently as other national days to commemorate the unparalleled velour and achievements of the Indian Army. This day is not just a celebration of victories; it is a tribute to the precious lives lost in securing our freedom and safety. Its significance is supreme, and the velour it represents must be glorified by all.
Army Day reminds us of several important aspects. The Indian Army has always been at the forefront of thwarting any threats to the nation along its borders. After making immense sacrifices, the Army has won four ground wars against Pakistan, which has repeatedly violated border laws and ceasefire agreements. We can never forget the last war with Pakistan on the Kargil border—a victory achieved solely through the unmatched bravery of our soldiers.
There is no comparison between a regular job and the duties of a soldier. While most jobs do not involve the risk of death, a soldier constantly faces life-threatening challenges in the line of duty. That is why we must glorify and respect them. In times of serious war, while many citizens might flee, these brave soldiers stand firm, giving us the chance to escape to safety. They will never abandon us. For those living near the borders, peaceful nights are possible because soldiers remain steadfast in their duty, guarding the nation.
Protecting our borders is vital to maintaining the integrity and sovereignty of our country. The peace we enjoy is a direct result of the sacrifices and vigilance of our soldiers. Their service often comes at great personal cost, affecting not only their own lives but also the well-being of their families. Despite this, they never waver in their commitment to safeguarding the nation.
The Indian Army has never lost a war with Pakistan, but it is tragic that we continue to lose brave soldiers due to Pakistan’s frequent border violations. The international community, which bears the responsibility of addressing border disputes and violations, has failed to impose sanctions on Pakistan for its repeated acts of infiltration and sponsorship of border terrorism.
In the post-abrogation period, significant progress has been made in various sectors, particularly in promoting border tourism, which has become a cornerstone of Kashmir’s development. This industry, long neglected due to violence and infiltration, is now thriving, thanks to the Indian Army’s efforts to eliminate border terrorism.
The once conflict-ridden borders have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from areas marked by violence to thriving tourist destinations. Locations like Bungus, a paradise in northern Kashmir, as well as Tootmar Gali, Karen, and other border regions, were once inaccessible due to infiltration and cross-border terrorism. Today, these areas are open to tourists, offering breathtaking landscapes and a sense of peace that was previously unimaginable.
The prevailing tranquility along the borders is a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of our soldiers. They have laid down their lives to establish protective fences and ensure our safety, often braving extreme conditions such as heavy snowfall, landslides, torrential rains, and snowstorms. Their unyielding vigilance has not only secured our borders but has also transformed them into places of natural beauty and thriving tourism.
The Indian Army’s efforts have made life viable for residents in these regions by addressing challenges and providing essential services. Through initiatives in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and community engagement, the Army has improved the quality of life for border residents. These initiatives foster a sense of security and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of these communities.
Collaboration between the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory administration has further enhanced the tourism potential of these areas. The development of access roads, such as the Bungus road and Toothmar road, and the establishment of resting places and improved connectivity have significantly boosted tourism in North Kashmir. Once an epicenter of terrorism, this region is now a welcoming destination for visitors.
The construction of border roads in North Kashmir has catalyzed regional progress, enhanced security measures, and improved the quality of life for locals. These roads play a pivotal role in connectivity, strategic importance, socio-economic development, disaster management, and national integration.
Furthermore, the Army’s robust counter-infiltration measures, supported by modern technology like the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS), advanced surveillance, artillery, and high-tech bunkers, have made the borders virtually infiltration-free. As a result, communities like the tribal, Bakerwal, and Gujjar populations can now reside in these areas without fear of shelling.
The Indian Army’s dedication to fostering safety, security, and development in border regions has not only reshaped these areas but also ensured a brighter future for the nation. Their efforts have created a haven of peace and progress, enabling us to enjoy the beauty and prosperity of these transformed landscapes.