Shaheed Smarak Sanstha commemorated its 24th Vijay Divas with solemn dignity and deep emotion at 10 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025, paying tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes in the presence of senior military leaders, veterans, martyrs’ families and citizens. The wreath-laying ceremony, marked by military precision and emotional moments, reflected both national pride and quiet grief.
The Chief Guest, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, SYSM, AVSM, VSM, AOC-in-C, Western Air Command, Indian Air Force, led the tributes by laying a wreath at the memorial. He was followed by Major General Jayachandran CJ, ADGE Pers, E-in-C Branch, representing the Army, and Rear Admiral Iftekhar Aalam, NM, ADG, Warship Design Bureau, representing the Navy. Former Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), also paid homage, marking the first time a former Army Chief graced the Vijay Divas ceremony organised by the Sanstha.
Thereafter, wreaths were laid by the families of 30 martyrs, a deeply moving moment that left the gathering visibly emotional. Air Vice Marshal P Mohan, VM(G), laid a wreath on behalf of the “Unknown Soldiers.” Tributes were also offered by the Chairman of the Sanstha, Lieutenant General GL Bakshi, PVSM (Retd); DCP Yamuna Parshad; Colonel IP Singh, Colonel Pardaman Singh, Subash Sharma, Lalchandani and Wing Commander Shreekant Ganpule, all retired. Heads of Arun Vihar and Jalvayu Vihar institutions, representatives of supporting organisations including Rahul Tripathi, Chief Manager and Branch Head, SBI Sector 52; AM Singh, Director Horticulture, Noida Authority; Indrani Neogi, Principal, Army Public School along with her students; and several citizens also laid wreaths to honour the martyrs.
Earlier, the Chief Guest was formally received by Lieutenant General YP Khurana, PVSM (Retd), Ceremonial Head of the Sanstha, Lieutenant General RC Chadha, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Executive Director, and members of the Executive Committee. The ceremonial proceedings were conducted by the Tri-Service Guard and buglers under the leadership of Sergeant S.S. Dhami, whose exemplary discipline and precision drew admiration from those present.
As the wreath-laying ceremony unfolded, spectators described the event as colourful yet dignified, reflecting the finest traditions of the armed forces. However, the most poignant moments came when the heroic stories of the martyrs were recalled and one family member of each martyr was invited to lay a wreath. The silent numbness and restrained grief in the eyes of the martyrs’ families captured the emotional weight of the occasion.
Welcoming the Chief Guest, the Chairman expressed gratitude on behalf of Shaheed Smarak Sanstha and thanked the three Service Headquarters, Delhi Area, the Signal Regiment, Noida Authority, Noida Police, Army Public School, and the heads of Arun Vihar and Jalvayu Vihar for their cooperation and financial support. He also acknowledged the media for its continued and valuable contribution in highlighting the sacrifices of the armed forces.
After the release of the “Glimpses of Events” docket, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra praised the high standards of the ceremony and congratulated the dedicated team of the Sanstha for organising a meaningful tribute to the nation’s martyrs. He said the country salutes the indomitable spirit of those who laid down their lives and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting veterans and their families. Quoting the phrase “Freedom is not free,” he underscored that the cost of India’s freedom is reflected in the supreme sacrifices made by its brave warriors.
During an informal interaction over tea, the Indian Air Force Band, led by Junior Warrant Officer P.K. Choudhary, performed stirring martial tunes that were warmly applauded by the gathering. The running commentary throughout the programme was efficiently conducted by Suniti and Colonel Sanjay Kharbanda (Retd).
Speaking to the media, Commander Narinder Mahajan, Director (Public Relations and Media), announced that the Sanstha’s Annual Day function will be held in the last week of February 2026. He added that the ‘Smarak 2026’ souvenir will be released during the event by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
