Launch of Armed Forces Flag Day Fund Collection by Ex-Servicemen Welfare Minister Shambhuraj Desai

Satara, December 2025 : The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund is collected each year to honour and express gratitude to soldiers who safeguard the nation’s borders and, in many cases, sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. The Armed Forces Flag Day 2025 fund collection drive in Satara district was launched by Ex-Servicemen Welfare Minister and Satara Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai.

This year, Maharashtra has achieved remarkable progress, collecting ₹50 crore against the target of ₹40 crore, leading the nation. Similarly, Satara district has collected ₹1 crore 69 lakh against a target of ₹1 crore 59 lakh, achieving 107 percent of the goal. District Collector Santosh Patil assured that this achievement would be doubled next year. In recognition of exceeding the target, District Collector Patil and District Sainik Welfare Officer Hange were felicitated by Minister Desai on behalf of the state government.

The event was held at the Planning Hall in the District Collector’s office, in the presence of CEO Yashni Nagarajan, Deputy Conservator of Forests Amol Satpute, District Sainik Welfare Officer Satish Hange, Resident Deputy Collector Nagesh Patil, and Squadron Leader Shami Sandhir.

Indian soldiers have displayed extraordinary bravery and made supreme sacrifices in every war and battle-like situation. Acknowledging this, the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund collection initiative has been conducted since December 7, 1950, to support their welfare. This year marked the inauguration of the 76th Flag Day Fund collection, held in the presence of Minister Desai and chaired by District Collector Patil.

Satara is known as a land of brave warriors and contributes the highest number of recruits to the armed forces. Many soldiers from the district have sacrificed their lives or suffered disabilities while serving the nation. Looking after their families is the shared responsibility of the administration and society. Appealing to the public for generous contributions, District Collector Patil expressed confidence that this year’s 107 percent achievement could be raised to 207 percent next year.

During the programme, the families of martyrs and disabled soldiers were honoured. Cheques were distributed under various welfare schemes, and individuals with notable achievements were felicitated. Among them were Komal Pawar, wife of martyr Amar Pawar from Bavda (Khandala taluka), who lost his life in an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh; she, along with his parents, received a cheque of ₹1 crore under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Nisha Ingavale, wife of soldier Sagar Hanmant Ingavale from Rewade (Karad taluka), who became disabled during Operation Snow Leopard in Arunachal Pradesh, received ₹60 lakh. Shalan Navnath Surve, wife of martyr police officer Navnath Surve from Ghanje (Jawali taluka), received ₹5 lakh.

Students from Classes 10 and 12 with outstanding academic results, as well as athletes excelling in sports, were also honoured. Cheques were distributed for self-employment, overseas education, housing purchase, and various physical disability cases. Individuals with notable accomplishments in different fields were felicitated by dignitaries.

Ex-servicemen and their families attended the event in large numbers.