BSF INVESTITURE CEREMONY-2023 CELEBRATED AT VIGYAN BHAWAN, NEW DELHI

New Delhi, May 24, 2023, By Our Correspondent

 BSF personnel were awarded medals and honoured by *Hon’ble Vice President of India Sh Jagdeep Dhankhar* who presided over the 20th BSF Investiture Ceremony as the Chief Guest. *Total 35 members of the Force were decorated with medals, in which 02 members were awarded with Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) and 33 members (including 04 retirees) with Police Medals for Meritorious Service (PMMS).* During the ceremony retired DsG/ IsG of BSF, DsG of CAPFs, serving officers from different Ministries of Govt. of India and representatives of print and electronic media were in attendance with BSF fraternity today. 

2. The Investiture Ceremony is a momentous occasion marking the deep seated affection and respect for the first Director General of BSF, Padma Vibhushan Shri K F Rustamji. BSF has been organizing the Investiture Ceremony on occasion of the birthday of Shri K F Rustamji since 2003. 

3. Welcoming the Chief Guest, eminent personalities and all those present at the venue for the occasion, DG BSF Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen first paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Force who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland at the altar of duty. Emphasizing the constant endeavour of the Force in preparing itself in terms of strategy, infrastructure, weaponry and training, DG BSF referred specifically to the various operational achievements by alert Seema Praharis while thwarting the nefarious designs of Anti-National Elements. The Director General also spoke about the ‘Soldierly traits and Visionary Leadership Skills’ of first Director General, Padma Vibhushan Shri K F Rustamji who is popularly referred to as “Founding Father of BSF”. 

4. Hon’ble Vice President also delivered the Rustamji Memorial Lecture. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Vice President of India Sh Jagdeep Dhankhar paid glowing tributes to the brave BSF personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of sacred duty in protecting the nation, along with those who have made the Force and the country proud with their operational performances despite the challenging work conditions. Hon’ble Vice President also highlighted the exceptional role of BSF in upholding the sovereignty of the Nation by effectively ensuring the sanctity of the International Border as well as various deployment scenarios of Internal Security