The Border Security Force (BSF) today held its 12th
Investiture ceremony and paid tributes to the para military force's founder K F
Rustamji on his 98th birth anniversary.
In 1965, Rustamji, the only police officer thus far to have
been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, was
selected to raise the BSF.
Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, who was the Chief Guest,
said he felt privileged to attend the ceremony to pay homage to Mr Rustamji who
belonged to Madhya Pradesh cadre as he himself had joined the same cadre of the
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1973.
"I have no words of appreciation for Shri Rustamji. He
belonged to my cadre and I feel privileged to be here," Mr Jung said.
He lauded the role of BSF in border management and
anti-Naxal operations. "You guard the most difficult parts of our country,
you guard our borders. The force has become people friendly," he said.
He also commended the BSF role during last year's
devastating landslides and floods in Uttarakhand.
Referring to the participation of BSF personnel in sports
and adventure activities, he congratulated five times Mount Everest climber
Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu, Assistant Commandant, BSF, who received the 'Padma
Shri' during Republic Day celebrations this year.
Mr Jung expressed his happiness that the first batch of
women officers would also join the BSF shortly. "Bravery and devotion to
duty displayed by the women cadres of security forces are unparalleled. I hope
that women will find increasing career opportunities in the BSF in the coming
days," he added.
During his welcome address, BSF Director General D K Pathak
referred to the track record of the force since its inception in 1965. The BSF
had successfully faced several challenges and overcome many a crisis over the
years and enjoys an excellent track record, he added.
The force was ready to face fresh challenges and was
preparing itself in terms of doctrine, infrastructure, weaponry and training,
he said.
Apart from maintaining relentless vigil along the borders,
the BSF was fulfilling its commitment to ensure peace in the Maoist infested
areas where it is deployed, he added.
During the ceremony, a book,'Writings of a Rustam' was
released. The chief guest decorated 10 BSF personnel with Police Medals for
Gallantry and 21 officers and men with Police Medals for Meritorious Service.
Source: http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20140522/2396864.html
