S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: – In an emotionally charged gathering at Infinitea centric Hotel here on Sunday, first-time Congress legislator Kewal Singh Pathania honored war widows and ex-servicemen, striking a chord with army families whose lives embody sacrifice for the nation. The ceremony was marked by both solemn remembrance and reaffirmed promises of support from the state government.
Among those honored was Sushma Devi, widow of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Jaryal, who was martyred during Operation Sindoor while serving in Poonch. With tears in her eyes and her voice choking with emotion, she told The Newz Radar: “I feel proud that my family member served the nation with such courage. I want all those who wish to serve the country to join the army.”
Pathania, who represents Shahpur constituency and serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, spoke with empathy about the struggles faced by martyrs’ families.
“Nobody can understand their grief except the families themselves. The sleepless nights they endure during war-like conditions cannot be imagined by anyone else,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the central government has often lagged in extending adequate support, the state has always stood by bereaved families. “Our government has provided immediate relief in times of crisis. It is our duty and our promise to continue this support,” he noted.
Pathania also linked his vision to the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, under whose tenure several welfare measures for soldiers and their families were strengthened. These included enhanced pensions for ex-servicemen, increased compensation packages for martyrs, and the expansion of educational scholarships for the wards of armed forces personnel.
“It was during Dr. Singh’s tenure that army families felt genuine recognition and support,” Pathania said, stressing that similar commitments must guide today’s policies.
In recent months, Pathania has been vocal about the need to establish a Himalayan Regiment in the Indian Army to recognize and channel the contributions of soldiers from Himachal and other hill states. His advocacy reflects a deep connection to his constituency, where military service is both a tradition and a source of identity.
