28 Martyrs’ Memorials to Be Built in the District – Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil

Tribute to the Brave: Guardian Minister Unveils Statue of Martyred Soldier Sunil Patil

Honour Salute by ITBP Personnel Marks the Occasion

Jalgaon : In a deeply emotional and patriotic ceremony, Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil unveiled the statue of martyr Sunil Dhanraj Patil, a jawan of the 9th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at his native village Ghodgaon in Chopda taluka. The event was presided over by MLA Prof. Chandrakant Sonawane. On this occasion, the minister announced that the government has approved the construction of memorials for 28 martyred soldiers in the district, which will soon be funded through DPDC. Thousands of villagers gathered to honor the fallen hero amidst chants of “Jai Hind.”

Guardian Minister’s Tribute

“Sunil Patil was not just a farmer’s son—he was a true warrior of the motherland. This memorial will continue to inspire future generations with his story of patriotism,” said Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil in his tribute.

Ceremonial Honour Salute

A ceremonial ‘Honour Salute’ was given to the statue of the martyr—a dignified and disciplined tribute accorded to martyrs, heroes, and distinguished personalities. The salute was performed by a team from the 44th Battalion of the ITBP, Belgaum (Karnataka).

Support for the Martyr’s Family

On behalf of Guardian Minister Patil and MLA Chandrakant Sonawane, a financial aid of ₹1 lakh was presented by former MLA Lata Sonawane for the education of the martyr’s young daughter.

Patriotic Homage Amidst “Jai Hind” Chants

Soldiers who participated in Operation Sindoor were also honored with great respect. Speaking at the event, MLA Sonawane stated, “Sunil Patil served with the sentiment that ‘My country is my life.’ His family is the true hero behind his sacrifice.”

The Bravery of Veer Jawan Sunil Patil

Sunil Patil was born on October 22, 1988, in Ghodgaon. He completed his primary education in Soundane, and later pursued secondary education in Wadjai and Ghodgaon. He earned a B.A. degree from SSVPS, Dhule. In 2009, he joined the ITBP and served across various parts of the country. Since 2021, he was stationed in Moirang, Manipur, and attained martyrdom while on duty on August 5, 2024.

Dignitaries and Family Members Present

The event was attended by former MLA Lata Sonawane, martyr Sunil Patil’s family members—mother Mallikabai, wife Poonam, daughter Samruddhi, grandfather Prabhakar, cousin Kailas Patil—as well as Inspector Sanjay Kumar, Satyam Malik, Tehsildar Bhausaheb Thorat, industrialist Prakash Bawiskar, Market Committee Chairman Narendra Patil, directors Rausaheb Patil, Vijay Patil, Gopal Patil, former ZP member Harish Patil, PI Kaveri Kamalakar, Vicky Saner, M. V. Patil, Adv. Shivraj Patil, Kiran Devaraj, Sunil Patil, Kantilal Patil, Pintu Pawara, Ambadas Sisodia, Yograj Badgujar, along with many villagers, students, and ex-servicemen.

The event, which paid heartfelt homage to the martyr’s sacrifice, his family’s courage, and their unwavering patriotism, left a lasting impression on every soul present.