STATE TIMES NEWS
HIRANAGAR: The Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday visited Hiranagar Jammu to participate in a ‘Namkaran’ ceremony of Shaheed Nayak Vakil Singh Girls High School Hiranagar.
The event was marked by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, paying tribute to the brave CRPF Jawan, Nayak Vakil Singh, who lost his life in the line of duty.
In his address, Dr. Jitendra emphasised that different governments have come and gone, but it is only Prime Minister Narendra Modi who started the tradition of honouring “unsung” national heroes and according them long overdue recognition.
He said that PM Modi’s dedication to honour national heroes has ensured that the contributions of individuals like Nayak Vakil Singh are never forgotten.
Speaking about recognition of Nayak Vakil Singh’s sacrifice, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “It is a big day for remembrance and inspiration and I am proud that this tribute is being realized now, after 41 years,” he said. The minister emphasized the importance of memorials as symbols that immortalize the contributions of great individuals to the nation. He acknowledged the valiant efforts of Nayak Vakil Singh, who was dedicated to the service of the nation from his childhood. Talking about his life, the minister said that he was a patriot at heart who served in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), exhibiting remarkable zeal and discipline throughout his career. Nayak Vakil Singh lost his life on June 28, 1984, when he was part of a convoy attacked by terrorists in Agartala. Despite being gravely injured, he fought back valiantly but later succumbed to his injuries.
Dr. Jitendra highlighted that Nayak Vakil Singh’s courage continues to inspire all.In his remarks, the Minister reflected on the significance of renaming the school in Hiranagar in honor of Shaheed Nayak Vakil Singh. He stated that this gesture would not only serve as a tribute to the soldier’s immense sacrifice but would also inspire future generations to uphold the values of patriotism, dedication and selflessness.
Dr. Singh stressed the importance of memorializing great patriots like Nayak Vakil Singh. He recalled the patriotism that defined the nation during the time when Nayak Singh served and fought for the country. “In those times of desperation, people sold their assets to support the country. Today, it is important for us to reflect on that spirit of unity and sacrifice,” he added.
During the event, Manjit Singh, the son of Nayak Vakil Singh, expressed his gratitude to the attendees for honoring his father’s memory. He thanked the government and Dr. Jitendra Singh for ensuring that his father’s name would be immortalized through the naming of the school, acknowledging that the entire family bears the emotional burden of his passing away.
The event was also attended by the representatives from the Group Centre CRPF, Hiranagar, all of whom paid rich tribute to Nayak Vakil Singh.