Srinagar, Aug 9, The campus of 110 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) MADRAS in Srinagar turned into a hub of warmth and patriotic emotion on Friday as the Khaki Association marked its annual initiative ‘Khaki Ki Rakhi’. The event aimed to honour soldiers and strengthen the bond between the armed forces and civilians.
Members of the Association arrived with eco-friendly rakhis, each handcrafted by underprivileged women supported by the group. The rakhis carried a dual message, appreciation for the soldiers and a call to society to empower women who cannot step outside their homes for work.
The programme began with a traditional welcome for the soldiers, including ceremonial tilak, flower petals, and heartfelt greetings. As rakhis were tied, the gesture was described by organisers as a symbolic knot of trust, respect, and gratitude.
Addressing the gathering, Association President Annu said that Khaki Ki Rakhi was their way of expressing recognition for the sacrifices of soldiers. “They guard the borders day and night in difficult conditions. This festival is not just about celebration, it’s a promise that we stand with them,” she said.
A soldier, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said such gestures boost morale and create a feeling of having extended families across the country. Officers of the 110 Infantry Battalion praised the Khaki Association for fostering closer ties between the community and the armed forces.
The event featured interactions, photographs, and patriotic songs that underscored the emotional connect. Organisers said Khaki Ki Rakhi has been held with different security units in previous years and will continue as a tradition to remind soldiers that their service is valued and remembered.
