Glowing tributes were paid to Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, one of India’s most celebrated war heroes, on his 93rd birth anniversary at a commemorative programme organised by the SHIFA Social Welfare and Educational Society in Kendrapara on Wednesday.
Residents, social activists, and community leaders gathered to honour the Param Vir Chakra awardee, recalling his unparalleled courage and supreme sacrifice during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
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Abdul Hamid, who served with the 4 Grenadiers, was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest wartime gallantry honour after destroying or disabling seven to eight Pakistani tanks during the Battle of Asal Uttar before laying down his life on 10 September 1965.
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Speaking on the occasion, SHIFA president Sk. Sabir Hussain described Abdul Hamid as a symbol of patriotism and extraordinary valour, saying that the history of India’s military victories would remain incomplete without acknowledging his heroic contribution.
He urged the Odisha Government to include the martyr’s life and achievements in school textbooks so that future generations could learn about his courage, patriotism, and selfless service to the nation.
After offering floral tributes to the martyr’s portrait, the speakers expressed concern that the younger generation was gradually losing touch with the legacy of national heroes.
They called for greater efforts by the Government and social organisations to preserve the memory of Abdul Hamid’s sacrifice and inspire young people with the ideals of patriotism and national service.
Among those present were Dhruba Nayak, Dinabandhu Nayak, Maulana Abdus Salam, Maulavi Golam Mustava, Acharya Vikashananda Avadhuta, Pradeep Das, and several other prominent citizens.
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