New Delhi, Sep 23: Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS) celebrated Haifa Mukti day on 23rd September 2016, with a seminar on “World Peace: Significance of Indo-Israel friendship”. This day is commemorated to pay tributes to the supreme sacrifice of more than 900 brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for liberating the Palestinian Port of Haifa from Ottoman Empire of Turkey during World War-1 on September 23, 1918. These soldiers were from the Lancers of Maharajas of Jodhpur, Mysore and Nizam of Hyderabad.
Union Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar was the chief guest while Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands was the guest of honour. His Excellency, Mr. Danial Carmon, Israel Ambassador to India was also present. A souvenir was released on the occasion by the National Executive Member of RSS, Shri Indresh Kumar. A book on Haifa, “INDIAN HEROISM IN ISRAEL” written by Shri Ravi Kumar, Vishwa Vibhag Pramukh, RSS, was released by the dignitaries. Mr. Kumar who is also an advisor to Indo Israel Friendship Forum, highlighted the contributions of Jews in India. He shared how Jews suffered discrimination almost everywhere except in India.
Lt Governor, Jagdish Mukhi stated that Jews people had to face discrimination in all countries including UK, Russia, Germany and Italy but they never faced it in India. Jews in India have flourished since the time they migrated and they are on senior positions like in army, government and Bollywood.
Shri Indresh Kumar suggested action plan by proposing “patriotic tourism” to the audience. We should visit our borders and the villagers living nearby to know the role of defence forces in our safety and comfort. He also moved a resolution, which was unanimously accepted by the elite audience. The resolution proposed renaming Teen Murti Chowk as “Teen Murti Haifa Mukti Chowk”. He also highlighted the significance of the day.
His Excellency, Daniel Carmon, Israel Ambassador to India promised all support to FANS & Indo Israel Friendship Forum for bringing India and Israel closer and for Indians visit to Haifa in 2018, the centenary year of Indian Heroism in Haifa. The Israel government still continues recognizing the contribution of war heroes through mention in its history textbooks and “Memorials”.
The ceremony was attended by Brigadier M.S. Jodha, the grandson of the man who went on to lead the horsemen. Brig Jodha along with an Indian delegation toured the city and visited areas in which his grandfather fought. A very informative presentation by Brig. MS Jodha on Haifa, enlightened the audience about the significance of the day.
Lt. General R N Singh quoted a few rare books on war history to make his point that Indian soldiers irrespective of caste and religion are the best and most dependable.
Veteran journalist Prof Shivaji Sarkar, coordinator for the Haifa day celebration, said that few in the nation are aware of the history and the government would officially mark the occasion annually.
Parvesh Khanna, National General Secretary FANS proposed the vote of thanks. He noted in his speech that the soldiers fought valiantly for the British while they were engaged in a struggle against the British for independence.
FANS President Air Marshal (Retd) RC Bajpai, National General Secretaries Jasbir Singh, and Sarla Singh, Parvesh Khanna, National Organising Secretary Golok Behari Rai, National Treasurer Dr. Anil Agarwal and National Secretary & Media Head Anil Kaushik, were present at the occasion.
