Convener News Desk
Jammu/Srinagar, Jan 14: The Indian Army on Tuesday organised a series of community outreach programmes, disaster preparedness initiatives and Veterans’ Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming its commitment to national service, social well-being and veteran welfare.
In Sunderbani, an in-house workshop on Digital Detox and Decor Psychology was organised with a focus on empowering families, particularly women and children. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of digital addiction and the role of living environments in shaping mental well-being. Participants were encouraged to adopt healthier habits by limiting screen time and creating positive, peaceful surroundings.
The programme, aligned with the Government of India’s Digital India and women empowerment initiatives, was hosted with the support of the Sunderbani Military Station, highlighting the Army’s role in promoting balanced lifestyles and community engagement.
Meanwhile, in Naushera, the Indian Army strengthened disaster preparedness efforts in remote areas near the Line of Control by organising a comprehensive lecture on disaster management at Saryah Ground near the Usman War Memorial. Conducted by the Tejus Disaster Management and Mitigation Centre, the session focused on civil-military coordination and preparedness for natural calamities such as landslides, earthquakes and floods, which frequently affect semi-mountainous regions.
Local residents and civil officials were sensitised about early warning systems, emergency response techniques and the importance of community participation in mitigating disaster risks.
Veterans’ Day was observed with reverence at multiple locations across the Union Territory to honour the courage, sacrifice and lifelong contribution of ex-servicemen.
In Mendhar, Poonch, the Army organised a Veterans’ Day event attended by 45 ex-servicemen, two Veer Naris and children, providing a platform to acknowledge their service and understand the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
Speakers emphasised that the nation’s responsibility towards veterans continues beyond their years in uniform and called for sustained support in their transition to civilian life.
In Reasi’s Chassana area, the Indian Army celebrated the festival of Lohri with the local community as part of its Sampark initiative. The celebrations, marked by a traditional bonfire and cultural customs, fostered warmth, unity and social harmony, further strengthening civil-military relations and reinforcing mutual trust between the Army and local residents.
The 10th Veterans’ Day celebrations culminated with a grand event at Rajouri, attended by veterans, serving personnel, families and citizens. The programme was graced by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, as the chief guest.
The event featured the flagging-in of the Dhruva Motorcycle Rally, which covered nearly 740 kilometres carrying the Eternal Mashaal symbolising unity and ‘Service Beyond Uniform’. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, paid rich tributes to veterans and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to their welfare. A ‘Wall of Fame’ was inaugurated to honour fallen heroes, while a dedicated Police Helpline for veterans was launched. Assistive aids, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, were distributed to specially abled veterans, and mementoes were presented to distinguished ex-servicemen and Veer Naris.
Simultaneously, Veterans’ Day was observed at Drugmulla in Kupwara under the theme ‘From Battlefield to Nation Building: Veterans as Pillars of Progress’. Despite harsh weather conditions, around 500 veterans and 20 Veer Naris attended the event. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, who was the chief guest, felicitated veterans and assured continued support. Various stalls were set up by Army and civil departments to address grievances and provide information on welfare schemes. Veterans pledged to continue contributing to nation-building efforts.
Through these initiatives, the Indian Army reiterated its role not only as a guardian of the nation’s borders but also as a vital partner in community development, disaster resilience and the welfare of veterans across Jammu and Kashmir. (PIB)
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