In a ceremonial handover on March 15, 2024, Major General Manish Kumar, Sena Medal (Bar), took charge as the new Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), based in Kohima, Nagaland. He succeeded Major General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, assuming responsibility for the strategic and operational command of Assam Rifles units in the northern region.

With a distinguished career marked by valor and leadership, Major General Manish Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His appointment signifies a continuity of command excellence and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism within the Assam Rifles.

As Inspector General, Major General Manish Kumar will oversee the operational readiness, training, and welfare of Assam Rifles personnel stationed across the northern sector. His responsibilities will encompass a wide range of security operations and counter-insurgency efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.

During the handover ceremony, Major General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, expressed his confidence in Major General Manish Kumar’s ability to lead Assam Rifles (North) effectively.

He praised Major General Kumar’s dedication to duty and urged all personnel to extend their full support to the new Inspector General in achieving the organization’s objectives.

In assuming command, Major General Manish Kumar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Assam Rifles (North) and pledged to uphold the rich legacy of the organization. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and commitment in fulfilling the mission of Assam Rifles and serving the nation with honor and integrity.

Under Major General Manish Kumar’s leadership, Assam Rifles (North) is poised to continue its vital role in safeguarding India’s borders, combating insurgency, and fostering peace and development in the northeastern region.

His appointment reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to enhancing security and promoting stability in the country’s frontier areas.

As Inspector General, Major General Manish Kumar will work closely with other security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to address emerging security challenges and promote harmony and progress in the region.

His tenure is expected to be characterized by proactive initiatives aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening the bond between Assam Rifles and the local population.

The assumption of command by Major General Manish Kumar marks a new chapter in the storied history of Assam Rifles (North). With his leadership and vision, the organization is well-positioned to confront the evolving security landscape and uphold its reputation as the “Sentinels of the Northeast.”

In a significant stride towards holistic healthcare, the Indian Army’s Surya Command inaugurated an Early Intervention Centre named ‘ARUNODAY’ at the Military Hospital (MH) in Jabalpur.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Madhya Bharat (MB) Area, reflecting the Army’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.

The ARUNODAY Early Intervention Centre stands as a beacon of hope and support for children with special needs and their families.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team of experts, including pediatricians, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, audiologists, and special educators, the centre aims to provide comprehensive and effective intervention services to children with diverse developmental challenges.

The establishment of ARUNODAY signifies the Indian Army’s proactive approach towards addressing the unique healthcare needs of its community members. By offering specialized services tailored to the needs of children with special needs, the centre ensures that every child receives the attention and care required to reach their full potential.

The multidisciplinary team at ARUNODAY collaborates closely to assess each child’s developmental needs comprehensively and devise personalized intervention plans to address them. From early diagnosis and intervention to ongoing support and therapy, the centre strives to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive and overcome developmental barriers.

The inauguration of ARUNODAY underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and support for its personnel and their families. By providing access to specialized services and resources, the Army aims to empower families and caregivers to navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs with confidence and resilience.

Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, while inaugurating the centre, emphasized the Army’s steadfast dedication to ensuring the well-being and quality of life of its personnel and their families. He lauded the efforts of all involved in establishing ARUNODAY and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare facilities to its personnel across all commands.

The ARUNODAY Early Intervention Centre represents a significant milestone in the journey of the Indian Army’s healthcare initiatives, marking a new era of inclusive and accessible healthcare services for children with special needs.

As it opens its doors to serve the community, ARUNODAY stands as a shining example of the Army’s ethos of care, compassion, and commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

In a significant step towards promoting the growth and competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defense sector, Lt Gen JP Mathew, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), addressed the National Defence MSME Conclave on “Export-Ready India: Nurturing Global Competitiveness for MSME”.

The conclave, organized by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), in association with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), aimed to explore strategies to propel India’s defence MSMEs towards global competitiveness.

During his keynote address, Lt Gen JP Mathew underscored the pivotal role of MSMEs in India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

He emphasized the need for continuous innovation, technological advancement, and collaboration to strengthen the capabilities of MSMEs in the defense sector. Lt Gen Mathew highlighted India’s significant progress, moving from the 9th to the 5th position in the rankings of favorable nations, a testament to the growing potential and competitiveness of the country’s defense industry on the global stage.

The National Defence MSME Conclave 2024 provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on key issues pertaining to the export readiness and global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs in the defense sector.

The event aimed to foster partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and chart a roadmap for enhancing the export capabilities of MSMEs in alignment with the government’s Make in India initiative.

The conclave witnessed participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from defense MSMEs, government agencies, research institutions, and academia.

The sessions focused on various aspects such as technology infusion, skill development, quality assurance, export promotion, and regulatory reforms to enable MSMEs to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global defence market.

Lt Gen JP Mathew’s address resonated with the audience, inspiring MSMEs to leverage their strengths and capabilities to become globally competitive players in the defense sector.

He stressed the importance of fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and encourages collaboration between MSMEs, large enterprises, and research institutions.

The National Defence MSME Conclave 2024 served as a platform for constructive dialogue and strategic partnerships, laying the foundation for India’s defense MSMEs to expand their footprint in international markets and contribute significantly to the nation’s defense industrial base.

With concerted efforts and collective initiatives, India’s MSMEs are poised to emerge as key drivers of growth and innovation in the global defence industry, furthering the country’s aspirations of becoming a leading exporter of defence products and technologies.

In an endeavor to inspire and empower the youth of the region, Chinar Warriors, a wing of the Indian Army, organized Orientation and Motivational Lectures on the Agniveer recruitment scheme at various educational institutions in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir.

The lectures were held at Government Degree College in Khanabal and Mattan, as well as at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Ashajipora, Anantnag. The objective of these sessions was to disseminate information about the Agniveer scheme, its eligibility criteria, physical and medical standards, and the Common Entrance Exam required to join the Indian Army.

Led by dedicated officers and personnel of ChinarWarriors, the orientation and motivational lectures aimed to spread awareness among the youth about the opportunities available through the Agniveer recruitment scheme.

The sessions provided valuable insights into the various facets and perspectives of Agniveer, encouraging young individuals to consider a career in the Indian Army and serve the nation with pride.

During the lectures, the speakers elaborated on the eligibility criteria for joining Agniveer, including educational qualifications, age limits, and physical fitness standards. They emphasized the importance of dedication, discipline, and commitment in pursuing a career in the armed forces.

Additionally, the medical standards required for enrollment were discussed in detail, ensuring that the participants were well-informed about the prerequisites for joining Agniveer.

Furthermore, the Common Entrance Exam, which serves as a crucial step in the recruitment process, was explained to the attendees. The speakers provided guidance on how to prepare effectively for the exam, highlighting the areas of focus and the resources available for preparation.

The lectures also served as a platform for interaction, allowing the youth to engage with army personnel and gain valuable insights into life in the armed forces. The officers shared their own experiences and anecdotes, inspiring the young audience to aspire for excellence and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s defense.

The initiative by ChinarWarriors received an enthusiastic response from the youth of Anantnag district, with a large number of students participating in the orientation and motivational lectures.

The sessions left a lasting impression on the attendees, instilling in them a sense of pride and motivation to pursue a career in the Indian Army through the Agniveer recruitment scheme.

As the Indian Army continues its efforts to recruit talented and dedicated individuals from across the country, initiatives like the Agniveer Orientation and Motivational Lectures play a vital role in reaching out to the youth and inspiring them to join the ranks of the nation’s defenders.

Chinar Warriors remains committed to nurturing the potential of young minds and guiding them towards a fulfilling and honorable career in the armed forces.

In a testament to the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services’ (AFMS) commitment to excellence, Lt Gen Daljit Singh, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), along with Surg RAdm Anupam Kapur, Command Medical Officer, and Maj Gen Ashwin Galagali, MG (Med) of HQ MG&G Area, paid a visit to the Armed Forces Medical Stores Depot (AFMSD) in Mumbai on 14th March 2024. The purpose of the visit was to review various initiatives undertaken by the depot and interact with the depot staff.

During his visit, Lt Gen Daljit Singh engaged in discussions with the depot staff, gaining insights into their operations and exchanging ideas for further enhancement of services.

He took the opportunity to commend all ranks, including defense civilian employees, for their diligent work, dedication, and commitment to their responsibilities. The DGAFMS lauded the exemplary efforts of the AFMSD team in ensuring the smooth functioning of the depot and their unwavering support to the armed forces.

The visit also provided an occasion for Lt Gen Daljit Singh to assess the depot’s readiness and capabilities in meeting the medical supply requirements of the armed forces.

He expressed satisfaction with the depot’s performance and emphasized the crucial role it plays in sustaining the medical logistics chain for the armed forces.

Accompanied by Surg RAdm Anupam Kapur and Maj Gen Ashwin Galagali, Lt Gen Daljit Singh underscored the importance of collaboration and synergy among different medical units to ensure optimal healthcare delivery to serving personnel and their families.

He stressed the need for continuous innovation and improvement in medical logistics management to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the armed forces.

The visit of Lt Gen Daljit Singh to AFMSD Mumbai reaffirms the AFMS’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of medical support and logistics services for the armed forces. It also serves as a morale booster for the dedicated personnel of AFMSD, motivating them to continue their exemplary service in support of the nation’s defense.

As the armed forces continue to face diverse challenges, the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the personnel of AFMSD Mumbai play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the men and women in uniform.

Lt Gen Daljit Singh’s visit serves as a recognition of their efforts and a catalyst for further excellence in medical logistics management within the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services.