Haldwani, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Nitin Naveen, the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), addressed a veterans’ conference in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, on September 10, 2026. He emphasized that soldiers are the foundation of the nation’s peace, prosperity, and freedom.
Before the event, Naveen visited the revered Ashtadash Bhuj Mahalakshmi Temple in Beripadav, Haldwani, to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. He also paid tribute to martyrs at a memorial site.
Following the temple visit, Naveen engaged in a discussion over tea with BJP workers at the residence of Rakesh Chandra Arya, the party’s booth president in Halduchaur. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt, and various other leaders and former soldiers.
Naveen expressed deep respect for the soldiers, stating that they have provided the citizens of India with a life of happiness, peace, and freedom. He commended their unwavering spirit and dedication, recalling his experiences at the border where soldiers stand guard without concern for harsh weather conditions. He stated that the security enjoyed by 1.4 billion citizens is primarily due to these brave soldiers.
He noted that while soldiers may be labeled as “former” upon retirement, their spirit, love for the nation, and youthful vigor never truly retire. They remain committed to serving the country. Naveen paid homage to the sacred land of Haldwani and honored various deities associated with the region, emphasizing that such sacred ground, protected by divine forces and the sacrifices of heroes, cannot endure injustice.
Referencing the motto of the Kumaon Regiment, “Parakramo Vijayate” (Valor Triumphs), he highlighted its motivational impact on soldiers. He paid tribute to Major Shaitan Singh and his men from the 13 Kumaon, who fought valiantly during the 1962 Rezaang La battle. Naveen also acknowledged the contributions of the military school established in 1967 in Ghodakhal, which has produced over 800 officers, including India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat.
Naveen honored Major General (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri and expressed pride in being among military families. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognizing Uttarakhand as a land of “Pancham Dham” (land of brave soldiers).
Reflecting on his past experiences, Naveen recalled a moment in 2011 when he felt ashamed to see a Pakistani flag waving in Kashmir’s Lal Chowk. However, he noted a significant change since 2014 under Modi’s leadership, where the Indian flag now proudly waves in the same location, instilling pride and energy among citizens and soldiers alike.
He recounted his observations during a visit to the Bomla border in 2012, where he witnessed the poor condition of roads. He noted that previous governments hesitated to improve infrastructure due to fears of Chinese encroachment. However, after Modi’s government took office, roads to the borders were completed by 2017, showcasing a shift in leadership thinking and boosting soldier morale.
Naveen commended Modi for celebrating festivals like Diwali and Holi with soldiers and for implementing the long-awaited “One Rank One Pension” policy on November 7, 2015.
He praised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for addressing the concerns of military families and acknowledged the progress in defense production and exports under the current government.
Naveen highlighted ongoing projects like the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project and the All Weather Road for the Char Dham pilgrimage, as well as the National War Memorial in Delhi, which honors 25,942 soldiers.
He urged youth from military families to appreciate the sacrifices made by soldiers and suggested that all young Indians should visit the borders to understand the conditions under which soldiers serve.
Naveen proposed the introduction of a “Border Experience” program in the education system to help the younger generation understand the sentiments and significance of border security. He expressed his commitment to advocating for this initiative.
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