On the significant day of 14 February, celebrated as Valentine’s Day, the Omkar Charitable Foundation chose to commemorate a more solemn occasion, the fifth anniversary of the Pulwama attack, which occurred exactly five years ago.
The foundation paid a moving tribute to the 42 soldiers who lost their lives in the attack by lighting candles in the park near Sector 23-24 Light Point, Sector 24. This poignant gesture was accompanied by a 2-minute silence in memory of the martyrs and an emotional homage.
Ravindra Singh Billa, Chairman of Omkar Charitable Foundation, expressed his perspective on the simultaneous celebration of Valentine’s Day and the Pulwama attack anniversary. He urged the youth to recognize today as Martyrdom Day, emphasizing the importance of paying true tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
ADGP (CM Security Punjab) Ajay Pandey joined the tribute ceremony, expressing his solidarity and paying candle homage to the memory of the martyrs.
The event was a collaborative effort with NCC Girls Cadets from Sector 24, fostering a sense of remembrance and honor rather than celebrating Valentine’s Day. Billa highlighted the cultural clash between the celebration of Valentine’s Day and the sacrifice of the soldiers in the Pulwama attack. He encouraged citizens to light candles or lamps in memory of the martyrs, considering it a genuine tribute.
Children were specially invited to the event, where they were educated about the importance of Remembrance Day over Valentine’s Day. The focus was on fostering love and appreciation for the military personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to the safety and security of the country.
The ceremony concluded with a salute to the parents of the martyred soldiers and the brave men who sacrificed their lives for the country. Members of Omkar Charitable Foundation, officials of Market Welfare Association, and others joined in paying their respects on this solemn occasion.