Prayers for welfare of defence, police, fire brigade personnel

A special prayer was held at Sri Somanatha Swamy temple at Surakudi in the district today for the welfare of defence, police and fire brigade personnel, during which top officials of the three services were present.
"The purpose of the prayer (Bharata Abhirakshana Prarthana) is the welfare of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President, the Defence Minister and personnel of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Fire Brigade, who strive to protect our people and motherland," Balasarveswara Gurukkal, founder of Srimath Srikanta Sivacahrya Vedasivagama Vidyapeetam, the organisers of the prayer, said.
He said the event had been held at the temple for the past 15 years. Special 'pujas' and chanting of 'Paasupathastra Mantra' one lakh times were also done.

Among the top officials of the services present were Wing Commander M V Ram Prasad, Officiating Station Commander, Air Force Station, Thanjavur and Sunderpaul, Naval Officer, Naval Detachment, Nagapattinam, Lt Col D S Chhetri, NCC Commanding Officer, Karaikal and Monika Bharadwaj, Senior Superintendent of Police (Karaikal).
Speaking to reporters later, Bharadwaj appreciated the Vidyapeetam for organising the event, which she said was a unique event for the welfare of those engaged in the service of the nation.
A large number of police personnel from Karaikal and nearby areas, serving and retired defence personnel, home guards, firemen and NCC personnel were honoured at the event.

Kariakal is an enclave of the union territory of Puducherry in Tamil Nadu.