CHENNAI : A tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan (31), who attained martyrdom fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir, was held at Chinmaya Heritage Hall here recently.
The late Major’s father Varadarajan, his mother Geetha Varadarajan, his wife Indhu, daughter Arshea and his sisters attended the event, which was organised by Abdul Ghani, a social activist.
Popular personalities like M G Devasagayam, former IAS officer Naresh Gupta, former personal secretary to Mahatma Gandhi Kalyanam, senior advocate Sudha Ramalingam, businessmen and justices attended the event along with Chinmaya Mission director Geetha Menon.
Social activist Abdul Ghani said, “I left my job, to do social service. Though I have organised many social events in the past, this one was very touching.”
Naresh Gupta said, “Good deeds are never forgotten. What Mukund did was one such. He sacrificed his life for the sake of the country. So he will be remembered for eternity. The nation salutes him; may his soul rest in peace.”
Kalyanam (91) said, “A brave young man who was born after me died before me for the country. Though his early death was unfortunate, he has made the country proud.”
M G Devasagayam, an infantryman turned IAS officer, presented General V K Singh’s message on his behalf. “V K Singh’s message reads that he (Mukund) was a brave soldier and a talented officer. His sacrifice for the country will live long,” he said.
Tamil actors like Nasser and Vivek, who couldn’t make it to the event, left their messages, which were displayed on the screen.
In his message Vivek said that Mukund was a brave soldier and his life serves as an inspiration to many young persons to join the military. May his soul rest in peace.
Speaking at the event, Abdul Ghani said there were a couple of demands to the State and Central government. First, we want a memorial in the name of Mukund Varadarajan and second, we need a street to be named after him.
Justice Vallinayagam said, “Good men will not die, they will always live on in people’s respect for them. With the help of youngsters like Mukund, I am sure that India will become a superpower.”