Jaipur,09 September .In consonance with the spirit of Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav, the Indian Army alongwith the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan pioneered the ' RANBHOOMI SHRADHANJALI YATRA' from 05 to 08 September 22. The Yatra provided an opportunity to the citizens of India to visit famous battle ground in the deserts of Rajasthan and pay homage to the valour, bravery and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers, whose battle accounts were retold by Ex Servicemen who had participated in the war. The theme of the interactive sessions was ; ' Meri Kahani - Meri Juban' .
Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding Desert Corps, flagged off the Yatra in the presence of Mr Himanshu Gupta, IAS, District Collector Jodhpur and a host of veterans, civil dignitaries and more than 200 NCC cadets on 05 September 22.
The yatra passed through Border Areas of Barmer, wherein they were briefed by veterans of the PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) and paid homage to the Martyrs at Barmer War memorial . There after at Gadra, that saw the famous battle of Gadra, the account was narrated by Honorary Captain Derawar Singh, which electrified the audience . Subedar Sukhdev Singh, regaled the audience at Munnabao Railway Station .
The penultimate day of the Yatra started from Jaisalmer to Gotaru fort where the tourists were acquainted with the history of the fort which stands testimony to the western silk route was testimony to the battle of 1965 Indo - Pak War. At Laungewala Four veterans of the battle of Longewala narrated the gallant actions of the Indian Armed Forces. The Yatra paid homage at Tanot Mata Mandir and also visited Sadhewala . On the final day, Jaisalmer war museum played host to the Yatra before concluding the journey at Jodhpur.
The Yatra was a befitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of our valour of the soldiers and the people of India who have stood firm against the designs of our Western adversary. This project will be taken forward through a fusion of military veteran and the state tourism department. It will go a long way in inspiring the youth , facilitating tourism and economical development of the border areas .
