Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 22: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today presented Police medals for gallantry and meritorious service to 30 BSF personnel.
Singh decorated five BSF men with Police Medals for Gallantry and 25 personnel with Police Medals for Meritorious Service during 13th BSF Investiture Ceremony.
On the occasion, BSF salute all those heroes who sacrificed their valuable lives and also those heroes who are still in service as well as retired.
BSF has been organizing the Investiture Ceremony on the birthday of KF Rustamji, founding father of BSF and Padma Vibushan since 2003.
In his address, Home Minister said, “BSF is not only a first line of defence, but also the first wall of defence”, he said adding that forces get the sense of sacrifice when they have sense of national pride.
Hailing high spirits and commitment of BSF personnel, Singh said “They believe that their border outpost is a home away from the home”. He added that there is a need to improve infrastructure facilities at borders and the Government is working on this task.
During this Investiture Ceremony, a book “BSF Martyrs: a Legacy of Pride and Valour” was also unveiled by Union Home Minister and a short documentary based film on “Operation Gazi Baba and Honoring the Brave Hearts” was also screened.
Director General BSF, DK Pathak recalled Border Security Force journey since 1965. He said that BSF has successfully faced several challenges and crises over these years, and enjoys an excellent track record.
He further stated that BSF is ready to face the challenges and is preparing itself in terms of doctrine, infrastructure, weaponry and training. He stated that BSF is carrying out relentless vigil along the borders.
Home Minister also presented cheques to the family members of martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation.
Director General also spoke about the ‘Soldierly traits and Visionary leadership Skills’ of first Director General KF Rustamji, who was always popularly referred to as “Founding Father of BSF”.
The Investiture Ceremony was followed by 10th Rustamji Memorial Lecture, which was delivered by Ajit Kumar Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA). He spoke on the subject “Challenges of Securing India’s Borders; Strategising the Response”.
Senior Officers from MHA, Directors General and Senior Officers of other Central Armed Police Force (CAPFs), BSF officers and men, retired BSF Directors General, Inspectors General, family members of the martyrs and families of the force members were present on the occasion.
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