Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Sep 29: A grand felicitation and Tiranga vehicle rally were organised in Peruvai recently to honour ex-serviceman Chandrashekar Poojary Kalladka, who retired after serving in the Indian Army for 23 years.
The programme was organised by the Peruvai Public Felicitation Committee to honour his dedicated service to the nation. Chandrashekar Poojary had served in the army from 2003 to 2026 and retired after being promoted to the rank of ACP Naib Subedar. He had also received commendation certificates twice from senior army officers for his service.
Speaking at the programme, Kukkuje Shri Kalikamba Anjaneya Kshetra Dharmadarshi Sri Krishna Guruji said people should live together with harmony without differences of caste or religion. He said soldiers serve the nation and protect people from all sections of society, and urged everyone to understand and respect one another.
Peruvai Muhiyuddin Juma Masjid religious leader Zafar Swadikh Bakhavi Al Yamani said soldiers dedicate their lives to serving the country at the borders and that honouring them is the responsibility of society. He stressed the importance of living together in unity.
Fr Simon D'Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Peruvai, said the event was not a programme belonging to any particular caste or religion but a celebration of humanity and an occasion to honour a son of the soil who had served the nation.
Peruvai Badria Juma Masjid religious leader Sharif Madani conveyed his best wishes to the programme.
Chandrashekar Poojary was felicitated by the Public Felicitation Committee, Peruvai church and various organisations.
Accepting the honour, Poojary said the recognition was not meant for him alone but also for the tricolour and every soldier serving the country. He recalled with emotion how the people of his hometown had supported and encouraged him when he left to serve the nation.
Progressive farmer Krishna Prasad Kadambila, soldier's mother Sundari, wife Vidyashree and Rajendra Rai of Peruvai Guttu were among those present.
Rahiman Khan welcomed the gathering, Naufal KBS Kudthamugeru compered the programme and G S Kumar read out the citation.