To honour the soldiers who sustained grievous injuries while guarding the country, the Indian Army has declared 2018 as `Year of the Disabled Soldier in Line of Duty’.

To commemorate the bravery and unparalleled sacrifice of these soldiers, the Western Command conducted a number of outreach programmes from July to November to connect with these bravehearts, especially those residing in remote areas.

Among various activities planned to mark the Year of Disabled Soldiers, Western Command is organising `Samman Samaroh’ for the disabled soldiers of North India on 12 and 13 November. The mega event would be a step to assure disabled soldiers of the commitment of Indian Army towards them. Over 500 disabled soldiers with their families from J&K, Punjab, UP, Haryana, Delhi & Chandigarh are likely to attend the function. The event will also be graced by three Param Vir Chakra Awardees and several eminent disabled soldiers.

A marathon was organised in this connection at Samba near Jammu by the Gurj Division on 4 November to show solidarity with disabled soldiers and promote physical fitness. The marathon was flagged off by Revati Narayanan, chairperson FWO, Gurj Division. A large number of school children, civilians and soldiers from Army, BSF, ITBP and police participated in the event. It was organised in four categories i.e. Half Marathon of 21.1 Km, Combat Run of 12 Km, Mini Marathon of 10 Km and Introductory Run of 5 Km.

Apart from the enthusiastic runners, the marathon was also attended by disabled soldiers and a large number of ex-servicemen from the border districts of Samba and Kathua.

The local veterans, public and youth applauded the efforts of the Army in organising the marathon. The Samba marathon depicted the bonding and camaraderie between the Army and civilian population and their feeling for disabled soldiers who have made great sacrifices for the country, said Army spokesman, Lt. Colonel Devender Anand.

The week also witnessed activity to showcase to tourists the culture of the Dogra region of Jammu under which the chief executive officer of the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA), Nagendra Singh Jamwal, organised a folk festival.

The Surinsar-Mansar lakes are important tourist destinations of the area and were designated as Ramsar Convention in November 2005.

A local cultural group of Ram Ditta presented a range of devotional songs in praise of Mansar Devta who is regarded as an incarnation of Sheshnag. Rumalo Ram and party showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Dogra region. Tourists were treated to an array of traditional folk songs and oral traditions.

Jamwal said the SMDA in collaboration with the tourism department has started a Sunday activity series to offer varied experiences to tourists who throng the lake destinations. Sunday trek to Mahoregarh fort and deer park are also being planned, he added.