60th Balidan Diwas of Param Vir Chakra Awardee Veer Abdul Hamid
A Nation Remembers Its Brave Son | September 10, 2025
India bowed its head in reverence on 10 September 2025 to observe the 60th Balidan Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Param Vir Chakra awardee Shaheed Veer Abdul Hamid, one of the most courageous sons of the soil. It was exactly 60 years ago, on the same day of 1965, that Veer Abdul Hamid sacrificed his precious life in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 to save the nation.
In commemoration of such a historic achievement, grand events were organised as a tribute in Dhamupur (Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh), his birthplace, and Lucknow. These included dignitaries from the Army, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, defence aspirants, and common people who respect and recognise the uniform.
Why the 60th Balidan Diwas Is Historically Significant
The year 2025 marked the 60th year of the ultimate sacrifice of Veer Abdul Hamid, who changed the face of the battle in the Battle of Asal Uttar. He alone destroyed several Patton tanks of the Pakistani Army, which were unstoppable at that time, by using only his courage, tactics, and a recoil gun-mounted jeep.
Despite the heavy enemy fire, he continued to target the approaching tanks. Only then did he achieve martyrdom. His bravery brought down the morale of the enemy and became a turning point for India’s victory in the area.
He was conferred with the Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for gallantry during wartime, as a posthumous award in recognition of this exemplary act of bravery.
Grand Observance in Lucknow: Tribute Beyond Words
One of the most impactful commemorations of the 60th Martyrdom Day was held in Lucknow, jointly organised by Centurion Foundation and The Legend Veer Abdul Hamid Trust.
Distinguished Presence
The ceremony was graced by:
- Lieutenant General Anindya Sen Gupta, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM,
- General Officer Commanding (GOC), Central Command, as the Chief Guest
- Senior Army officers, ex-servicemen, and veterans
- Members of Veer Abdul Hamid’s family, including his grandson Junaid Alam
- Defence aspirants, students, and citizens inspired by the armed forces
The program commenced with the traditional lamp lighting, which meant respect, continuity, and remembrance. It was then followed by tributes that came straight from the heart, patriotic performances, and speeches echoing the values that Veer Abdul Hamid stood for.
Powerful Message from the Leadership: Patriotism Beyond Hashtags
The major defining characteristic of the occasion was the speech delivered by Mr. Shishir Dixit, founder of Centurion Defence Academy and the brain behind the Centurion Foundation.
While speaking at his speech, Shishir Dixit Sir has communicated frankly on the shifting viewpoint of patriotism in this younger generation, stressing that:
“Patriotism should not be limited to slogans, hashtags, or social media posts. It must run in the blood of every family and every child of this nation.”
He emphasised the urgent need to instil national values, discipline, and respect for the armed forces from a young age, especially among students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Landmark Announcements by Centurion Foundation on Balidan Diwas 2025
On the sacred occasion of the 60th Balidan Diwas of Veer Abdul Hamid, the Centurion Foundation, under the leadership of Shishir Dixit Sir, made several historic and people-centric announcements, reaffirming its commitment to the armed forces and their families:
100% Scholarships for Martyr & Gallantry Award Families
All eligible children from martyr families and gallantry award recipients will receive free defence exam preparation, ensuring that financial constraints never block their path to serving the nation.
Financial Support for Soldiers Aspiring to Become Officers
Recognising the struggles of soldiers preparing for SSB interviews, the Foundation announced:
- ₹5,000 financial assistance for every serving soldier joining SSB coaching at Centurion centres in Lucknow and Dehradun
Digital Empowerment at Army HRDC
With official permission from Central Command, Centurion Foundation will install dedicated digital panels at the HRDC, enabling hybrid learning, SSB preparation, and personality development through the Centurion Digital App.
Knowledge Contribution to the Indian Army
- 100 free copies of the book “Ranneeti”, authored by Shishir Dixit Sir India’s highest-rated SSB preparation book, will be distributed to Army libraries under Central Command
Free SSB Capsule Training for Soldiers
- Six-day SSB training capsules, conducted twice a year, by DIPR-trained officers and psychology mentors, exclusively for Indian Army soldiers
These initiatives were acknowledged and appreciated by the Chief Guest, reinforcing the credibility and national relevance of Centurion Foundation’s mission.
Tribute to Veer Abdul Hamid at His Native Village
At around the same time, a major tribute ceremony was also organised at the Veer Abdul Hamid Memorial Park in Dhamupur (Ghazipur). There, leaders, military officials, and residents paid tribute to the memorial, and thus proved that although it has been sixty years since this hero is gone, his memory is alive and present in every heart.
About Shaheed Veer Abdul Hamid: The Legend Lives On
- Name: Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid
- Regiment: 4th Battalion, The Grenadiers
- War: Indo-Pak War, 1965
- Battle: Asal Uttar
- Gallantry: Destroyed enemy Patton tanks using a jeep-mounted gun
- Award: Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous)
Veer Abdul Hamid was not just a soldier; he was a symbol of fearless leadership, humility, and supreme sacrifice.
Centurion Defence Academy: Carrying Forward the Legacy
Centurion Defence Academy has taken remembrance to action under the leadership of Shishir Dixit Sir. Centurion nurtures future officers, stands shoulder to shoulder with and supports soldiers, and supports martyr families, so that the ideals of Veer Abdul Hamid keep guiding the youth of India.
A Salute Beyond Time
The 60th Balidan Diwas of Veer Abdul Hamid is not a commemoration, but a reaffirmation of the nation's resolve from the battlefields of 1965 to the classrooms and training fields of today. The martyr continues to be a constant source of inspiration.
While the nation celebrates this immortal patriot, one thing is abundantly clear:
“Heroes never die. But they live on through the uniform, through the ideals, in the thanks of a grateful nation.”
