Mangalore : The journey of Lt.Col Ajit V Bhandarkar, Shaurya Chakra was made known to the students of Shakthi Residential School and PU College through the screening of ‘The Saga of a Brave Heart’ a documentary as a part of AzadiKa Amrith Mahotsav. Shakunthala Bhandarkar, wife of Col.Ajit Bhandarkar also the Co-Founder and Director of Metamorphes Foundation was the ChiefGuest. Captain P.S. Kariappa (Short Service Commission Officer) and Commander Mahesh Nagesh Nayak (IN Retd) were the Guests of Honour. Savitha Rao K.P. daughter of Commander K.P. Gopala Rao was also prese nton this occasion.“Veer Nari, Shakunthala Bhandarkar is the right person to be emulated. In spite of losing Col Ajit Bhandarkar she has sent her two sons into Defence. Col. Ajit never compromised on work. He was a nice human being and a very affectionate person. Being strict he always proved that he was born to be a soldier and wished to die as a soldier, what more can one ask for” said Captain P.S. Kariappa. “It is because of the ultimate sacrifice of the people like Col. Ajit, we are now leading a safe and a happy life. People are always there in our borders to guard us. During childhood I was attracted to the army uniform and was impressed to meet the army officer Capt. Bhandarkar. Interaction with him revealed that initial training is very tough and to face that one needs to be tough. Don’t give up keep trying, these are his words etched in my memory” recollected Commander Mahesh Nagesh Nayak. Shakunthala Bhandarkar appreciating the divine atmosphere in Shakthi said “30 th October 1999 was the day when the operation took place. The book authored by me is a tribute to this brave heart Lt. Col. Ajit Bhandarkar and would expect everyone to read through”. Prathviraj, Principal Shakthi PU College said “There was no motivation, no person who could guide us during our school days about the Defence Forces.
This nation is ours there are soldiers to fight for us. The story of these brave hearts must reach every student and motivate and guide them towards serving the nation”. Nidhi S. Desai of First PUC science was honoured with the Shaurya Chakra Award sponsored by Metamorphes in the name of Lt. Col. Ajit Bhandarkar. Dr. K.C.Naik, Administrator, Shakthi Education Trust, Prakyath Rai, Institute Development Officer and Vidya Kamath G, Principal Shakthi Residential School, the staff of Shakthi along with the students had the privilege of interacting with the dignitaries. Fathimath Nazreen, Science teacher compered the event.
