War Memorial
Major Saravanan, the legend, has been enshrined in the history of one of the most difficult and brutal wars ever fought by any Army. His name and his saga of extreme bravery has been etched in golden letters in the annals of the Indian Army as the entire nation stands as one to salute him.
Eight years post Kargil war, the memories of the gory battle fought on the inhospitable terrain of Dras and Batalik sectors in Jammu and Kashmir seem to be fading. Through the fading images of our heroes, one figure which looms larger than life is of Major Saravanan, the brave son of Tiruchirapalli city.
At a colourful function organised by 117(TA)Battalian,Trichy, Major General B.Sivasankar, General Officer Commanding, Head Quarters, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala area, unveiled the War Memorial on the Collector Office road, in the presence of Major General M S Balhara, Colonel of the Bihar Regiment and a large number of officials and men of the army, District Collector Ashish Vachchani, Senior police officials and a large number of common people.
The first side of the memorial has the portrait of Major Saravanan while the other two sides bear the citation of the brave martyr engraved in marbles, both in Tamil and English. A replica of his assault gun and cap is also mounted atop the memorial.
Mrs. Amirthavalli Mariyappan, the mother of Saravanan and his family were the first to place a wreath on the memorial, followed by army officials with full army honors.
In his address, Major General Sivashankar praised the war hero for his bravery and his mother for giving a son, who made the army and country proud, in a befitting manner. Saravana's sacrifice will continue to inspire the future generation to serve the army and will be remembered fondly by one and all in the Indian army.
This historic memorial constructed and maintained by Major Saravanan Memorial Trust and construction cost Rs.725,000, fully spent by his mother Mrs. Amirthavalli Mariappan.
Read more about this topic: Mariappan Saravanan
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