In a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and bravery of Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Wounded Warriors, the Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha, in collaboration with Headquarters MG&G Area, orchestrated a poignant ceremony to honor 37 individuals from the Paraplegic Rehab Centre, Kirkee.

Dr. V Shankar, President of the Sabha and Deputy General Officer Commanding (DM&G) Sub Area, graced the solemn function held in Pune.

The event, which served as a touching testament to the indomitable spirit of these wounded heroes, unfolded amidst a backdrop of admiration and respect. Dr. V Shankar, alongside other dignitaries and esteemed guests, paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Wounded Warriors, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to duty and their remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

The ceremony, infused with a sense of reverence and gratitude, underscored the profound impact of the selfless service rendered by these individuals in defense of the nation.

Despite facing life-altering injuries, they have exemplified extraordinary courage and fortitude, serving as an inspiration to all.

Speaking at the event, Dr. V Shankar expressed his deep admiration for the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Wounded Warriors, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the armed forces and the nation. He remarked, “Today, we stand in awe of the unwavering resolve and undaunted spirit displayed by our Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Wounded Warriors.

Their sacrifices embody the true essence of heroism, and their resilience serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.”

The ceremony, marked by solemnity and reverence, provided an opportunity for the community to come together and express their gratitude to these brave individuals.

Through heartfelt tributes, songs, and performances, attendees conveyed their admiration and support for the wounded warriors, reaffirming their commitment to standing by them in their journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

The Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha’s collaboration with Headquarters MG&G Area reflects a collective effort to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by our armed forces personnel.

By shining a spotlight on the bravery and valor of Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Wounded Warriors, the event served as a poignant reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to those who have sacrificed so much in service to the nation.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Wounded Warriors were lauded with heartfelt applause and appreciation, a fitting tribute to their unwavering courage and resilience. Their sacrifices will forever be etched in the annals of history, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army and the nation as a whole.

In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s military preparedness, Lieutenant General Pritpal Singh, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, recently conducted a comprehensive review of the integrated training exercises undertaken by the Shahbaaz Division. The training session was a vivid demonstration of the formation’s battle readiness, particularly focusing on drills designed for a simulated future battlefield environment.

The exercises highlighted the integration of New Generation Equipment, showcasing the Indian Army’s commitment to modernizing its forces and adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance its operational capabilities. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the armed forces remain prepared for the challenges of modern warfare, where technological superiority can significantly impact the outcome of engagements.

Adding an important dimension to the exercises was the participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF), underscoring the importance of joint operations and the synergy between different branches of the military. The collaboration between the Indian Army and the IAF during these drills is a clear indication of India’s focus on fostering interoperability and cohesive action among its armed forces, which is crucial for executing complex military operations effectively.

The review by Lt Gen Pritpal Singh not only affirmed the operational readiness of the Shahbaaz Division but also served as a testament to the Indian military’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare. By integrating new technologies and fostering jointness among its services, India aims to maintain a robust defense posture that is capable of addressing both current and future security challenges.

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access for veterans, the Indian Army’s Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The MoU, titled “Cashless & Capless Treatment for Veterans,” was formalized in the presence of Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Madhya Bharat Area, and a large gathering of veterans from Chhattisgarh.

The signing of this landmark MoU marks a watershed moment in the Indian Army’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of its esteemed veterans. Under the agreement, veterans enrolled in the ECHS scheme will have access to cashless and capless treatment at AIIMS Raipur, ensuring seamless and hassle-free healthcare services.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat underscored the significance of the initiative in reaffirming the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to its veterans.

He stated, “This MoU represents a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services to our esteemed veterans. By partnering with AIIMS Raipur, we aim to ensure that our veterans receive the best possible medical care without any financial constraints.”

The initiative aims to address the healthcare needs of veterans residing in Chhattisgarh and neighboring regions, offering them access to world-class medical facilities and specialized treatments available at AIIMS Raipur.

Through the implementation of cashless and capless treatment protocols, the Indian Army seeks to alleviate the financial burden on veterans and their families, enabling them to avail medical services with ease and dignity.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by a diverse cross-section of veterans from Chhattisgarh, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the Indian Army’s efforts to prioritize their healthcare needs. Many veterans hailed the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the well-being of those who have served the nation with valor and dedication.

AIIMS Raipur, known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and renowned medical expertise, welcomed the partnership with the Indian Army’s ECHS scheme, reaffirming its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to veterans.

The collaboration is expected to streamline healthcare delivery processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance overall patient experience for veterans seeking medical treatment at the institute.

As the Indian Army continues to uphold its sacred duty towards veterans, initiatives such as the “Cashless & Capless Treatment for Veterans” MoU underscore the organization’s ethos of care, compassion, and respect for those who have served the nation.

Through collaborative efforts and partnerships with esteemed institutions like AIIMS Raipur, the Indian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the well-being and welfare of its veterans, honoring their sacrifices and contributions to the nation’s defense.

The signing of the MoU represents a tangible manifestation of the Indian Army’s pledge to provide comprehensive healthcare services to veterans, reflecting its unwavering commitment to serving those who have served the nation selflessly and with distinction.

As the partnership between the Indian Army’s ECHS scheme and AIIMS Raipur takes shape, veterans can look forward to receiving world-class medical care and support, ensuring that their health needs are met with the dignity and respect they deserve.

In a prestigious ceremony held in New Delhi on March 19, 2024, the Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best and Second Best Command Hospitals of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2022 was presented by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services and Senior Colonel Comdt, Army Medical Corps, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh.

The Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, and the Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow, were honored as the Best and Second Best Command Hospitals for their exemplary performance in the year 2022.

The event, graced by distinguished members of the AFMS leadership and esteemed guests, served as a platform to recognize and commend the outstanding contributions of these medical institutions to the healthcare services provided by the armed forces.

Lieutenant General Daljit Singh, while presenting the awards, applauded the exceptional performance of the two hospitals and acknowledged the commendable services rendered by the AFMS across various domains, including combat medical support and state-of-the-art healthcare services.

Highlighting the versatility and preparedness of the AFMS to meet diverse challenges, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh emphasized the pivotal role played by the medical corps in providing medical support during both operational deployments and peacetime.

He reaffirmed the AFMS’s unwavering commitment to excellence and professionalism, underscoring its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief whenever called upon.

Furthermore, Lieutenant General Daljit Singh announced the expansion of the competition from the year 2023 onwards, with the inclusion of the Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences (AICTS), Pune, and the Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. This decision aims to further enhance the spirit of healthy competition among AFMS hospitals and foster continuous improvement in healthcare services.

The award ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries from the AFMS and related departments, symbolized the AFMS’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of medical care and service excellence. It also underscored the importance of recognizing and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery within the armed forces community.

The Raksha Mantri Trophy, instituted in 1989, holds significant prestige within the AFMS and serves as a symbol of recognition for hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance and commitment to excellence.

The selection process for the award involves a rigorous assessment based on objective performance indicators, ensuring transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.

As the AFMS continues its mission to provide quality healthcare services to armed forces personnel and their families, the Raksha Mantri Trophy serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating hospitals to strive for continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare delivery. Through such initiatives, the AFMS reaffirms its commitment to the well-being and welfare of those serving in the defense of the nation.

In a poignant homage to the heroes of the past, a delegation from the Republic of Korea Air Force, led by General Lee Youngsu, Chief of Staff, visited the 60 Parachute Field Hospital, marking a significant recognition of the Indian Army’s contributions during the Korean War.

This visit underscores the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual respect between India and South Korea, tracing back to the years of conflict in the early 1950s.

The 60 Para Field Ambulance, an elite unit of the Indian Army, played a pivotal role in providing medical and humanitarian assistance during the Korean War, showcasing unparalleled bravery and commitment.

Their efforts not only saved countless lives but also served as a testament to India’s dedication to global peace and humanitarian principles.

During the visit, General Lee Youngsu and his delegation paid their respects to the brave hearts of the Korean War, acknowledging the sacrifices and the spirit of trans-national cooperation demonstrated by the Indian Army.

This gesture of remembrance and honor highlights the significant impact of the 60 Para Field Ambulance’s contributions and the lasting legacy of India’s involvement in the Korean War.

The commemoration of these historical ties between India and South Korea, reflects the deep-rooted connection and mutual admiration between the two nations.

As we remember the valor and humanity of those who served in the Korean War, this visit serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the enduring impact of helping others in times of crisis.