CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today announced a special grant of Rs. 25 Lakhs for the development and upgradation of the,Sikh Regiment centre at Chandimandir.

The Chief Minister made the announcement during the Baisakhi Lunch 2018, hosted by the Sikh Regiment at the Khetarpal Officers’ Institute (KOI) at the Chandimandir Military Station.

Nostalgically recalling his association with the Indian Army, Captain Amarinder Singh reiterated his personal commitment to the welfare of the soldiers and ex-servicemen, and said the grant would help in the development and upgradation of the sports infrastructure and other related facilities at the Centre. He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to extend all possible assistance to the defence personnel and their families.

The Chief Minister lauded the role of the ex-servicemen in his government’s flagship ‘Guardians of Governance’ (GoG) programme, thereby ensuring that the fruits of the official schemes reach the poor and the needy at the grassroots level.

The Chief Minister, who has authored a book on the famous Saragarhi Battle, presented a relic each, from the Saragarhi Fort, to the,Sikh Regiment centre and to the 4 Sikh Regiment (formerly the 36 Sikh Regiment), who had fought the historic battle. The military historian said it took a lot of research to dig out the historical facts related to the battle, and, as a researcher, he discovered the immense contribution of the unsung hero Dad, who laid down his life along with other 21 bravehearts while fighting the Afghan tribals in the battle.

Captain Amarinder Singh recalled with pride his association with the 2 Sikh Regiment, which he had served as an officer, and said he would remain a part of the prestigious Regiment till his last breath. He also narrated his experience and expertise of warfare, which he learnt from his “Guru ji”, then instructor at the Defence Academy Lt. Gen. (Retd.) P S Vadhera, who was also present at the event.

Earlier, welcoming the Chief Minister, Colonel of the Sikh Regiment Lt. Gen. S K Jha thanked him for his personal efforts in ensuring a second career for JCOs and Other Ranks (ORs) after their superannuation from the defence services. General Jha lauded Captain Amarinder Singh's tremendous regimental spirit, and acknowledged his concern for the overall well-being of the soldiers.

The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by his OSDs Major Amardeep Singh and Karanpal Singh Sekhon, interacted freely with the Army officers and their families, and posed for photographs with them.

Prominent among others present on the occasion were Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S H Chahal, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) R S Sujlana, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) NPS Bal, & Lt. Gen. (Retd.) G S Shergil from the Sikh Regiment.