Konaje: “Patriotism is continues process. Protecting the wealth of country, maintaining cleanliness is also a part of patriotism. Patriotism should begin from home itself,” said Colonel Nittegutthu Sharath Bhandary.

He was speaking at Deralakatte Vidyarathna English Medium School in Vijay Diwas 2016 and presentation of Yodha Rathna Award to the soldiers, on Friday.

“First two wars against Pakistan were done to protect Kashmir and the 1971 war was fought for newly born Bangladesh. Nearly 93,000 Pak soldiers were surrendered to Indian Army and it is the highest number of soldiers who surrendered in a war after Second World War,” he said.

Indian Air Force Sergeant Srikanth Shetty B, Indian Army Hawaldar Mohammad K and Indian Navy CPO William Fernandes were felicitated with Yodha Rathna Award on the occasion.

DK district Retired Soldiers Association former director Brigadier I N Rai, Colonel N S Bhadary, DK district Retired Soldiers Association President CPO Vikram Datta, Vidyarathna Educational Trust Managing Director K Raveendra Shetty Ulidottu and others were present.