CSD Canteen Sarkaghat Manager’s Compassionate Gesture Wins Praise from Ex-Servicemen; Financial Assistance Handed Over to Widow of 1965 War Veteran.
Shimla:
In a heartfelt gesture reflecting care and commitment towards the welfare of the ex-servicemen community, the Manager of the CSD Canteen, Sarkaghat, Subedar Major Ravinder Singh Chauhan (Retd.), personally visited the residence of Shiv Devi, widow of late 1965 Indo-Pak War veteran Sukhdev Singh, at Nalta village in Sarkaghat Sub-Division of Mandi district on Saturday to hand over financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 on behalf of the CSD Canteen management.
Subedar Major Chauhan was accompanied by members of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & OR), Sarkaghat Unit, who joined him in expressing condolences to the bereaved family. Late Sukhdev Singh passed away on July 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of courage, patriotism, and dedicated service to both the nation and the ex-servicemen fraternity.
The initiative taken by the CSD Canteen Manager was widely appreciated by ex-servicemen across the region. Members present on the occasion praised his compassionate approach, stating that besides efficiently managing the day-to-day functioning of the CSD canteen, he has also demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility towards the welfare of veterans and their families by personally visiting bereaved families and extending financial support.
Late Sukhdev Singh was a respected ex-serviceman and an active member of the ex-servicemen community in Sarkaghat. Throughout his post-retirement life, he remained actively involved in activities aimed at the welfare and well-being of fellow veterans.
Those present fondly recalled his bravery during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. According to fellow veterans, Sukhdev Singh displayed exceptional courage on the battlefield when his armoured tank came under intense and heavy firing from Pakistani forces. Despite facing grave danger, he and his comrades refused to retreat and continued fighting with determination. During the fierce battle, he sustained serious injuries and was subsequently evacuated to a military hospital, where he underwent treatment and gradually recovered. His courage and dedication in the line of duty earned him immense respect among his peers and the local ex-servicemen fraternity.
Several ex-servicemen had visited the family following his demise to pay their last respects and honour his distinguished service to the nation. His exemplary contribution and selfless commitment were remembered with great admiration during the condolence visit.
Among those who accompanied the CSD Canteen Manager were Captain Jagdish Verma (Retd.), Captain Ashok Kumar, Subedar Major Vidyasagar Dogra, Subedar Major Duni Chand, Subedar Surender, Subedar Ramesh Jamwal, Subedar Kuldeep, Subedar Prakash Chand, Subedar Rakesh Saklani, Subedar Amrit Lal, Havildar Yog Raj Sharma, Havildar Ashok Sharma, Havildar Rajender Singh, Chief Petty Officer Arvind Sharma, along with many other members of the ex-servicemen community.
The cheque presentation not only provided timely financial assistance to the bereaved family but also highlighted the spirit of solidarity and mutual support that continues to bind the ex-servicemen fraternity. The gesture has been widely welcomed and is being viewed as a commendable initiative that strengthens the bond between the CSD management and veterans’ families.
