Puttur, 15 August 2026: Independence Day celebrations at Ambika Group of Educational Institutions in Puttur took a special turn this year, with the institution hosting a gathering of former soldiers and their families to honour their service to the nation.
Programme, organised on Independence Day, brought together retired personnel who had served in the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), along with their family members.
Initiative was conceived by Ambika Group of Educational Institutions president Subrahmanya Nattoja, who said the Independence Day celebrations should go beyond traditional festivities and provide an opportunity to recognise those who had dedicated their lives to protecting the country.
“While we enjoy the freedom of the nation, we must remember those who devoted their youth to protecting it. We are indebted to our soldiers, and this gathering is a small effort to express our gratitude,” Subrahmanya Nattoja said.
Institution welcomed the former servicemen and their families, presented each veteran with a memento and hosted a community lunch as part of the gathering.
Ambika Group of Educational Institutions has also established what it describes as the first private Amar Jawan Jyoti in South India in Puttur, reflecting its focus on patriotism and remembrance of the armed forces.
Veterans share their experiences
A meeting was held before the community lunch as part of the gathering. Vasanth Kumar, president of the Puttur Ex-Servicemen Association; Chandappa Moolya, head of the former BSF personnel association; and Colonel D. G. Bhat shared their views.
The event was attended by hundreds of former servicemen and their family members. Ambika Group of Educational Institutions secretary Rajashree S. Nattoji, retired principal and governing body member Dr H. Madhava Bhat, and governing body member Balakrishna Borker were present.
Subrahmanya Nattoja welcomed the former servicemen and their families. Lecturer Satish Irde compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
Keywords
Puttur veterans, Ambika Institutions Puttur, Puttur ex-servicemen, Independence Day Puttur, former soldiers gathering, Subrahmanya Nattoja, Puttur Suddi, Puttur News, Citizen News Puttur