SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE SPECIAL SAINIK SAMMELAN

Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, 23rd May 2008

I am very happy to be with you today. The citizens of India are proud of your bravery. You are performing your duties along the Line of Control with alertness, dedication and bravery. I congratulate you on your outstanding services.

Today, I visited the forward areas and had the opportunity to see all of you working with great vigil. Your discipline, patriotism, dedication and spirit of sacrifice are worthy of emulation. In fact, your bravery, courage and dedication have established high standards for the Nation. It is because of these qualities that the Indian Army is considered as one of the leading armies of the world.

We must guard our borders with full dedication and bravery. I am confident that any violation of our borders will be dealt with resolutely and firmly. It is only when our borders are protected that can the nation progress. With your hard work and bravery, you have and will continue to make an important contribution in making India a great power. It is always our effort to ensure that our Armed Forces are equipped with modern and high quality weapons as well as imparted the best training.

The Indian Army, apart from manning the borders, is also involved in development works and is contributing to welfare activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of the State are benefiting from these activities. Your discipline and cooperative attitude has impressed both the Government and the people. I appreciate these efforts.

My brave soldiers, we realize that you are constantly serving the country while being thousands of miles away from your homes. The Nation is with you in your endeavours. The Government is making every effort to provide you and your families' maximum facilities.

I am hopeful, in fact confident, that you will continue to be successful in achieving your objectives through hard work and strong determination. I have come to visit you not only as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces but I have also come to felicitate you and to give you my best wishes as a Mother and a Sister. Today, I return with a sense of satisfaction that India's borders are safe in your hands. May, the Almighty, give you success in all your endeavors, keep you safe and bless you with a long life. Once again my good wishes to all of you.

JAI HIND