Modi pays tribute to WW martyred soldier from Rajasthan

Rajasthan, Jan 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday brought in the 'Israeli angle' in his speech here and paid rich tributes to Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, a martyred soldier of World War-I who fell fighting the Haifa battle in 1918.
Addressing a rally here after inaugurating work-project commencement of oil refinery, Mr Modi mentioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ahd his visit to Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in Delhi on Sunday and said it was a proud occasion to pay tributes to the martyred soldiers of First World War -- those also included a son of the soil from Rajasthan.
On Sunday, immediately after his arrival here for a six-day visit to India, Mr Netanyahu, his wife Sara and Prime Minister Modi drove to the Teen Murti Chowk to lay wreath at the Chowk.
The Teen Murti Chowk has been renamed after the Israel city of Haifa, as a mark of tribute to the history of India-Israel relations.
The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers, who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, which carried out the victorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on September 23, 1918, during World War-I.
In his address here, Mr Modi also mentioned about senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh, who is not well for sometime. "From here in Barmer, I pray for the speedy recovery of the son of this soil, the respected Jaswant Singhji. His contribution towards our nation is immense," Prime Minister said.
The former Foreign and Finance Minister Jaswant Singh was born on 3 January 1938 at village Jasol which falls under Barmer district.
Mr Modi also paid homage to former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and said, "I want to remember Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Ji. He was a great man, who worked towards modernising Rajasthan".
The Late Shekhawat had the vision of a refinery in Barmer, Prime Minister said. "A few days back India marked Makar Sankranti with great fervour. This festive season is the harbinger of prosperity. Immediately after the festivities, I am delighted to be in Rajasthan that too for a project that will bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of many," Prime Minister said.
"The Rajasthan refinery will be the first in the state, which is blessed with immense oil and gas reserves. This refinery will benefit Rajasthan, especially the industrious youth of the state," Mr Modi had tweeted earlier.
According to Petroleum Ministry sources, the project is expected to generate 10,000 direct and 40,000 indirect employment.