Tributes paid to martyrs

HYDERABAD, 23/03/2010:Children paying their respects to martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at the Balidan Divas observed by the Vande Mataram Foundation at Hyderabad on Tuesday. ---PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

Three women, two of them mothers of martyr soldiers, were felicitated on March 23 which was observed as ‘Balidan Divas' by the Vandemataram Foundation along with Bhagat Singh Seva Samiti and Professional Students Organisation, in commemoration of the death anniversary of the revolutionary trio Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.

Standing ovation

Vimala Acharya, mother of Major Padmapani Acharya who was killed while fighting intrusion in Kargil sector, and Girija, mother of Major J. Suresh Suri who was killed last year in a gun battle with militants in North Kashmir received honours from the organisers and a standing ovation from the audience.

Shailaja, mother of Raghunath Reddy, who achieved third rank in GATE despite his poverty, too was felicitated on the occasion.

Manoj Enani, the president of Bhagat Singh Seva Samiti, praised Bhagat Singh as patriot, social visionary, and philosopher.

Cultural performances by students from various government schools followed.