Pune: Satara village where each family produces a soldier gets funds to preserve legacy

1 2 Pune: This small village off the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway has successfully kept its long-standing tradition — sending at least one person from each of the 300-odd families to serve in the armed forces — for several generations. Located in Karad tehsil of Satara district, about 130 km from Pune, Military Apshinge was even recognised by the British for its contribution and a Vijay Sthambh was built to showcase the saga of valour and bravery of its 46 sons of soil who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Now, to preserve its rich legacy, state govt has allocated Rs 1 crore to carry out a series of beautification works.

Lieutanant Colonel (retired) Satish Hange, District Sainik Welfare Officer of Satara, said they have requested the public works department to prepare a comprehensive development plan. "We have already received Rs55 lakh. We will renovate the British-era war memorial and a learning centre that was established in 2023 for youths to facilitate their recruitment in the defence forces.



We have consulted veterans and villagers, and the work is expected to begin in May," he said. Traditionally, villagers encourage youths at an early age to pursue a military career and they say this task will be easier if they get the necessary infrastructure. Brigadier (retired) Mohan Nikam, president of Apshinge Military Organisation , whose ancestors served in the British India army and fought in both World Wars, said a new war memorial is being constructed.

"We will scribble new names on the pillars of it to remember their contributions. It will be a proud moment for each family." Nikam, who has carried out extensive research on the defence personnel from the village, said he recently discovered a peculiar case.

"One Piraji Nikam, who had served in the British army before 1914, was recruited again during World War I. The recruiting officer was from the Deccan provision who was looking for possible candidates in the Western Maharashtra and Konkan regions," he said. This village with a population of approximately 3,000 has contributed maximum soldiers to various infantry regiments, especially Maratha Light Infantry.

About 20 officers — in the ranks of lieutenant colonel and above — have so far served in the army since Independence, claimed Mohan Nikam. The state govt funds will help villagers get, through the Local Military Authority, defunct aircraft, artillery guns, and other equipment for display. There is already a defunct tank, said officials from the department of ex-servicemen.

Village sarpanch Tushar Nikam said 15 soldiers have lost their lives in various wars, including the ones in 1962, 1965, 1971 and the Kargil conflict. "Their stories should be told to new generations and to visitors. Their details will be scribbled in the new memorial.

" Satara along with Sangli and Kolhapur districts has traditionally been the catchment areas for the army recruitment..