Union Minister Nityanand Rai Lays Foundation for India’s First Water Memorial in Ghazipur

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-09-11 07:45:00

In a touching tribute to supreme national sacrifice, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai visited Dhamupur village in Ghazipur on the martyrdom day of Param Vir Chakra recipient Company Quartermaster Havildar Veer Abdul Hamid to lay the foundation stone for India's first-ever water memorial. Dedicated to honoring all 21 Param Vir Chakra gallantry awardees of the nation, the unique memorial will be constructed within the pond adjacent to the Veer Abdul Hamid Park. Dignitaries and veterans gathered at the native village of the legendary 1965 war hero to garland his statue and reflect upon an enduring legacy of patriotism that continues to inspire generations of defense personnel.

Remembering Veer Abdul Hamid’s Legendary Valor in the 1965 Indo-Pak War

The commemoration marked the death anniversary of the iconic soldier who single-handedly altered the trajectory of the 1965 India-Pakistan war by destroying seven advanced American-made Patton tanks using an RCL gun during the Battle of Asal Uttar. Highlighting the profound impact of his sacrifice, Minister Nityanand Rai recounted how Veer Abdul Hamid's unmatched bravery directly inspired Kargil War Param Vir Chakra recipient Yogendra Singh Yadav to enlist in the Indian Army. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, who also attended the solemn event, emphasized that a soldier's unwavering grit and tactical determination far outweigh machinery, noting that the hero's courage remains a golden chapter in Indian military history.

Strengthening Indigenous Defense Capabilities and Local Demands

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sanjay Seth underscored how India is continuously fortifying its defense architecture through domestic technology and indigenous weapon systems, citing strategic successes like Operation Sindoor. During the event, local representatives submitted a formal memorandum requesting the introduction of a dedicated express train named after Veer Abdul Hamid, the establishment of open military recruitment rallies in Ghazipur, and the founding of a Sainik School in the region. Reflecting deep respect for national symbols, the ceremony also witnessed an exemplary moment when Minister Sanjay Seth personally ordered the complete re-rendering of the national song Vande Mataram after it was played incompletely, ensuring the tribute matched the highest standards of patriotic reverence.

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