The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru: In an evening marked by solemnity, patriotism and quiet pride, Shaurya Samman 2.0 was held at the open-air amphitheatre of the Art of Living International Ashram, bringing together serving officers, veterans, Veer Naris and families of martyrs in a tribute to courage and sacrifice.
Organised by The Aryavarth Express in association with SSB Sure Shot Academy, the ceremony honoured members of the armed forces and their next of kin for exemplary service to the nation. Illuminated in ceremonial dignity, the amphitheatre formed a striking backdrop for an event that blended military valour with spiritual reflection.
The ceremony opened with the blessings of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose address underscored the moral foundations of national security. Emphasising that enduring peace rests upon the sacrifices of soldiers, he paid homage to the armed forces and acknowledged the silent strength of Veer Naris who bear personal loss with resilience.
The Guest of Honour, Major General V.T. Mathew, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, said freedom is safeguarded not by rhetoric but by “discipline, duty and, when required, supreme sacrifice.” His address drew repeated applause from the gathering of officers, cadets and civilians.
Among the special guests were Amarendra Kumar Singh, DIG (PSO), BSF Frontier Odisha, and Brigadier Ranjeeth Alwa, Deputy General Officer Commanding. A note of appreciation was also extended to Maj. Gen. VPS Bhakuni, VSM (Retd.), CEO of SSB Sure Shot Academy, for his role in conceptualising and steering the initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Prashant Goenka of The Aryavarth Express described the occasion as “a proud and special moment” for the publication. “We have gathered to honour our Veer Naris and brave soldiers — the true heroes of our nation,” he said, adding that while many call India their motherland, “only a few serve her with their blood and sacrifice.” Calling the event a modest effort with a larger message, he said recognising soldiers’ sacrifices was essential to inspire younger generations about the meaning of courage and patriotism.
The heart of the evening lay in the felicitation of eight Veer Naris and next of kin of martyrs. Those honoured included Smt. Shakunthala A. Bhandarkar, wife of Lt Col Ajit Bhandarkar, Sena Medal (Posthumous); Mr Chandra Shivrajan, father of Lt Col Niranjan E.K., Sena Medal (Posthumous); Smt. Supti Ghosh, wife of Maj U.S. Ghosh, Sena Medal (Posthumous); Group Captain Girish Kumar, father of Maj Akshay Girish Kumar; Smt. Anuradha Venkatesh, mother of Capt M.V. Pranjal, Sena Medal (Posthumous); Smt. C.T. Asha, wife of Naik Thimmaiah K.K.; Smt. Usha K., wife of Lance Naik Gururaj S.; and Smt. Vanitha Gadiyal, daughter of Sepoy A. Muniyappan.
As citations of gallantry were read out, the amphitheatre fell into reflective silence, punctuated by standing ovations that acknowledged both visible and unseen sacrifices. Several families received their mementoes amid prolonged applause, a reminder that behind every uniform stands a household that has endured separation, uncertainty and, in some cases, irreparable loss.
In addition, fourteen decorated veterans and retired officers were honoured for their distinguished service. Among them were Colonel Darshan Singh, Brigadier Biju Shantharam, Colonel Arun Bhandarkar, Group Captain J.K. Chandna, Capt S.D. Dobhal (DIG Retd.), Lt Col T. Siva Kumar, Lt Col Shrinivas Rao, Lt Col Arul Mani (Retd.), Major Mohanan P.P., Sub Maj Krishnan T. (Retd.), Sub Maj Dr Biddappa K.N., Subedar G. Ramdev (Retd.), Havildar T.U. Janardhana and Havildar Raghavendra Rao.
Organisers said the aim of Shaurya Samman is to institutionalise remembrance — not as a symbolic annual ritual, but as a sustained civic responsibility. By bringing together spiritual leaders, military commanders, cadets and civilians on a single platform, the event sought to bridge the distance that often separates society from the lived realities of those who defend it.
As the ceremony concluded with a collective salute and the resonant cry of “Jai Hind”, the sentiment that lingered was simple yet profound: national pride is not an abstract idea, but a debt owed to men and women who place duty above self.
