Noida: There are moments when patriotism is not proclaimed through slogans, but expressed in silence through folded hands, bowed heads, and eyes brimming with unspoken pain. The 24th Vijay Divas observance at Shaheed Smarak was one such moment, where honour met heartbreak and remembrance stood taller than ceremony.
At exactly 1000 hours on Saturday, Shaheed Smarak Sanstha commemorated Vijay Divas with solemn military precision. The Chief Guest, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, SYSM, AVSM, VSM, AOC-in-C, Western Air Command, laid the first wreath, followed by senior representatives of the Army and Navy and Gen Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former Chief of the Army Staff. For the first time, a former Army Chief graced the occasion—adding historic weight to an already sacred ceremony.
The ceremonial Tri-Service guard and buglers, led by Sergeant S.S. Dhami, performed with exemplary discipline. Spectators described the ceremony as colourful and immaculate, but beneath the polished uniformity lay a deep, aching stillness one that only families of martyrs truly understand.
As the names of 30 martyrs were announced and their family members stepped forward to lay wreaths, the atmosphere shifted. Time seemed to slow. Each step carried the weight of years lived without a loved one. Each bowed head held memories of sacrifice beyond imagination. The numbness in their eyes was unmistakable tears held back not by weakness, but by extraordinary strength.
Welcoming the Chief Guest, the Chairman of Shaheed Smarak Sanstha expressed gratitude to the three Service Headquarters, Delhi Area, Signal Regiment, Noida Authority, Noida Police, Army Public School, the heads of Arun Vihar and Jal Vayu Vihar institutions, supporters, and the media for their continued support.
After the release of the “Glimpses of Events” docket, chief guest commended the Sanstha for maintaining a high standard of commemoration. He reminded the gathering that “Freedom is not free,” a truth etched into the lives of every family present. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to veterans and the families of the fallen, whose sacrifices allow the country to breathe freely.
During the post-ceremony interaction, the Indian Air Force Band, led by JWO P.K. Choudhary, rendered inspiring martial tunes, drawing warm applause, although some claps were slow and heavy with remembrance.
The proceedings were seamlessly anchored by Mrs Suniti and Col Sanjay Kharbanda (Retd). Speaking to the media, Commander Narinder Mahajan, Director PR & Media, informed that the Annual Day function will be held in the last week of February 2026, during which the Smarak 2026 Souvenir will be released by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Vijay Divas concluded as it always does with salutes, music, and national pride. Yet for the families of martyrs, the war never truly ends. It lives on in memories, medals, and moments like these—when the nation pauses, remembers, and silently weeps.
Because behind every wreath lies a story.
And behind every story, a sacrifice that can never be repaid.
The families of martyrs have so much to teach us if only we pause to listen. Meet them. Spend time with them. Observe them closely.
There is nothing stronger or more beautiful than these resilient souls. Every encounter humbles you, forcing a painful realization of how little courage most of us possess. To face the world after such loss, with dignity intact and pride unbroken, requires a rare strength.
Look into their gleaming eyes and you will find pride that words cannot capture. Behind their quiet smiles and silent lips lie epic stories of courage, sacrifice and unwavering resolve. They are not merely survivors of loss they are the real achievers. They are healers, shaping perspectives without uttering a single complaint.
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