Poonch: The scars of Operation Sindoor remain fresh in the border district of Poonch. On the night of 6-7th May when the Indian Army struck enemy positions with precision, the Pakistani Army, unable to withstand the force of its own losses, resorted to indiscriminate and cowardly firing on villages and towns in Poonch.
Innocent civilians bore the brunt of this barrage, with several losing their lives in the unprovoked shelling. In this mayhem, the spirit of the nation was vividly embodied as Indian Army, civil administration, local NGOs, media, community groups like Ekta community came together to co-ordinate immediate med aid, provide Amb service and co-ordinate provision of assistance to bereaved families.
The events unfolded as a repetition of history, where in, whenever Pakistan Army attempted to create a mayhem in west and south west of Pir Panjal, the locals, civ administration and the Indian Army worked together to prevent enemy from achieving his aim. People never forget the mass killing of innocent civilians after partition.
The spirit of Poonchis (as they proudly call themselves) remains high continuing the rich tradition of land of Pirs and different religions which are living peacefully ever.
During rehabilitation stage after Op Sindoor, a collective effort to heal wounds of affected families and restore normalcy, came a gesture of empathy and recognition.
In an unprecedented initiative, Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai – an institution renowned since 1950 for its cultural and charitable service - extended an invitation to the bereaved families of Poonch to honour their sacrifice and fortitude.
On 15 August 2025, the Sabha’s grand auditorium became the stage for a rare and poignant moment. 23 members of 14 bereaved families travelled to Mumbai, where they were received as honoured guests.
One by one, they were invited to the stage, felicitated, and presented with a grant of ₹2.5 lakh and household gifts worth Rs 50,000/- each.
The event was not just ceremonial, Families described feeling deeply touched by the warmth and dignity with which they were received.
One mother said, “Hamare dukh ko pura toh koi nahi kar sakta, lekin is sammaan ne humein ehsaas dilaya ki desh hamare saath hai.” Another young widow shared, “Bachchon ke liye yeh ek umeed hai ki unke pita ki qurbani bhulaayi nahi gayi.”
Cultural performances, symbolic gestures such as lighting of lamps, and the personal attention extended to each family created an atmosphere of collective healing.
Many said they had never imagined such a moment in their lives - to feel honoured, recognised, and embraced by the nation beyond Poonch. Feelings reinforced that Bharat is one from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
The contribution of HQ MG & G Area, Mumbai, under the stewardship of Maj Gen Bikram Jeet (Retired) was especially noteworthy. From facilitating arrangements in Mumbai to extending every form of support required for the families’ stay and participation, HQ MG & G Area played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and dignified conduct of the event.
Back in Poonch on their return, the families were welcomed with an interaction organized by Indian Army to share their experiences. For many, their words carried the same theme: honour.
“We went as grieving families, we came back as proud families,” one relative said, that the recognition they received in Mumbai gave them strength to carry forward. To honour the supreme sacrifice, Indian Army too has dedicated a memorial stone for all martyrs at Ajote Memorial Poonch and on request of families and 07 May every year will be commemorated appropriately at Poonch.
For Sri Shanmukhananda Sabha, this initiative was a continuation of its long legacy of service. Beyond its identity as one of India’s premier cultural institutions, the Sabha has for decades been involved in humanitarian causes - from healthcare and education to community welfare.
By reaching out to the people of Poonch, it has reaffirmed the bridge between civil society, the Army, and the borderland communities who stand resilient despite adversity.
The event has set an inspiring example: that the sacrifices of border families must never be forgotten, and that together - citizens, cultural institutions, and the Armed Forces - the nation can stand by those who have borne the heaviest burdens. A perfect example of how we came together as nation without boundaries, cast & creed, a true national integration.
