Dear Friends,

At the outset, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the fraternity of Ex-Servicemen of Indian Armed Forces of Mizoram on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day 2025. Armed Forces Flag Day is a salute to the martyrs and the men in uniform who valiantly fought and continue to fight on our borders to safeguard the integrity of the country. It is observed on 07^th December every year throughout the country. This is observed so that the countrymen can pay respects to those who gave their all for our tomorrow.

Indian Armed Forces are the guardians of our land, sea and air frontiers. It is because of their dedication towards the nation that we, the citizens of India can sleep peacefully.

Let me also take this opportunity to remind all that Mizoram has produced the finest among Indian Armed Forces personnel who brought glory to both the country and the state. Apart from the past renowned leaders of this state, Lt Col Clement Lalhmingthanga (Retired) and Petty Officer TBC Lalvenchhunga (Retired) are the current MLAs in the 9^th Legislative Assembly of Mizoram.

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention with pride that the son of Mizoram, Captain Lalrinawma Sailo of 4^th Para (Special Forces) was awarded Kirti Chakra on 15 August 2025 for an act of bravery in the face of enemy.

I would like to advise the young men and women of Mizoram to look up to these esteemed personalities as an inspiration and make themselves capable to join the Armed Forces. Keeping in view the potential and energy of the Mizo youth, I am sure that those who make it into the Armed Forces will excel and comes out with flying colours.

I would also like to highlight the contribution made by state government as an ex-gratia payment to Next-of-Kins of soldiers killed in action and those who are disabled in the line of duty. A total amount of Rs 15 lakhs has been disbursed to Next-of-Kins of fatal Battle casualty and soldier disabled in action during the last and current Financial Year.

On this day, let us all re-dedicate ourselves to pay respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice. Let us also remind ourselves the debt we owe to these men and women in uniform. In the last and current financial year, a total amount of Rs 91,500 has been disbursed to 16 cases of medical care and 07 cases of natural disaster-related losses to 23 Ex-Servicemen and their families.

The Armed Forces Flag Day is a fund collection drive launched throughout Mizoram. The main aim of this fund is to support and assist the needy Ex-Servicemen and their families who require support for medical treatment, damages caused by natural calamities etc and for welfare of the Ex-Servicemen. It is my earnest appeal to all the members of our society to have a kind heart while remembering with reverence the sacrifice they made for the country and ensure their loved ones are well looked after.

I conclude by rephrasing the famous inscription at Kohima War Cemetery, “When you go Home, tell them of us say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” - a thought inspired to honour the Spartans who fell at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. 

Ka lawm e. Jai Hind