Uttarakhand CM Dhami pays tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy and Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat’s valor on their anniversary. Full story here.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, honored Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena, on the anniversary of his passing on Monday. CM Dhami praised Bal Thackeray’s commitment to “Sanatan culture and Indian identity,” saying that he placed a high value on “national unity and cultural pride.”

We honor Balasaheb Thackeray, a fervent nationalist leader who devoted his life to Sanatan culture, national interest, and Indian identity, on the anniversary of his passing. “National unity, cultural pride, and social strength were always the top priorities for Balasaheb ji,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.

Thackeray, who was born in Pune on January 23, 1926, started out as a cartoonist for the English-language newspaper “The Free Press Journal.” Later, he resigned from his position and established the Shiv Sena in 1966 to represent Maharashtra’s interests in Mumbai’s political and business spheres.

Hardlined ‘Saamana’, a Marathi-language newspaper, was founded by Hindutva champion Thackeray. Throughout his political career, he had no formal responsibilities.

At the age of 86, Thackeray suffered a heart arrest and passed away on November 17, 2012.

On the day of his martyrdom, CM Dhami also honored Maha Vir Chakra Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat for his “unparalleled valour” during the 1962 India-China War.

He said, “On this day of the martyrdom anniversary of the valiant son of Mother India, the pride of the military land Uttarakhand, the immortal martyr Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat ji, honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra for displaying unparalleled valour and extraordinary bravery in the India-China War, we offer humble tribute.”

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For centuries to come, his unwavering bravery, commitment to duty, and patriotism in protecting the homeland will serve as an inspiration. Your sacrifice will live on in our memories forever,” the X post continued.

The hometown of martyr Jaswant Singh Rawat was Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. He participated in the historic Battle of NEFA during the 1962 War, where he valiantly fought the enemy, according to the Ministry of Defense.

The ‘A’ Coy Commander dispatched Lance Naik Trilok Singh Negi, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, and Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain to destroy the Medium Machine Gun (MMG) after the enemy was able to advance and position it within thirty meters of the Indian position’s left flank while continuing to attack in waves. Under the Lance Naik’s covering fire, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat grabbed the MMG and they both went back to their original positions. The enemy initiated close-range automatic fire as they were moving into their trenches. Still clutching the MMG, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was struck in the head and instantly perished.