In a significant addition to the cultural landscape of Kashmir, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander Northern Command, today inaugurated the Gulmarg Army Museum, affectionately dubbed “Gul-A-Seum.”

This state-of-the-art facility, situated in the picturesque town of Gulmarg, offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Kashmir, as well as the valorous contributions of the Indian Armed Forces.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive displays. Visitors to Gul-A-Seum will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of Kashmiri culture, including its unique traditions, art, and significant historical milestones.

The exhibits also highlight the sacrifices and enduring spirit of the armed forces in nation-building, providing an educational and inspirational experience.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Chinar Corps Commander and several civil dignitaries, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the museum.

The presence of such high-profile figures underscores the importance of this initiative, both as a tribute to the armed forces and as a means of promoting understanding and appreciation of Kashmir’s heritage.

“Gul-A-Seum is not just a museum; it is a beacon of learning and a source of inspiration for all who visit. It beautifully captures the essence of Kashmir and the indomitable spirit of our soldiers,” stated Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar during the event.

This new museum is expected to attract more visitors to Gulmarg, known for its scenic beauty and now, its enriching educational attractions.

The Gul-A-Seum is poised to become a key attraction in the region, providing an economic boost through increased tourism and offering a profound educational resource that celebrates the region’s legacy and the valor of its defenders.

In a commendable display of skill and perseverance, the 27-member mountaineering team of the Shatrujeet Brigade, known as the Surya Warriors, was flagged in by Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, after their successful ascent of the formidable Mt. Kang Yaste, which stands at 21,000 feet.

The expedition, marked by challenging conditions and high altitudes, showcased the exceptional training, physical standards, and indomitable spirit of the team members.

Lt Gen Sengupta commended the team for their remarkable achievement and perseverance, emphasizing that their success is a true reflection of the Surya Warriors’ spirit.

This achievement not only highlights the capabilities and readiness of the Indian Army’s personnel in extreme conditions but also contributes to the Army’s rich tradition of mountaineering and adventure sports.

The successful summit of Mt. Kang Yaste serves as an inspiration and a testament to the rigorous training and high morale of the Indian Army personnel.

The flagging-in ceremony was attended by senior military officials and fellow soldiers, who celebrated the team’s safe return and their outstanding accomplishment in the mountaineering endeavor. This event not only honors the climbers but also strengthens the ethos of courage and teamwork that the Indian Army continually strives to embody.

Major General APS Chahal, SM, General Officer Commanding of the Agnibaaz Division, conducted a visit to the Ghatak Strikers’ base in Nasirabad to assess their operational preparedness and combat readiness.

This visit included evaluations of innovative technologies and procedures being adopted by the formation, particularly in the fields of Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) and advanced long-range weapon systems.

During his inspection, Maj Gen Chahal observed various drills and innovations that enhance the capabilities of the Ghatak Strikers, a unit renowned for its strategic importance and advanced operational tactics. The exercises demonstrated not only the tactical proficiency of the unit but also their ability to integrate new technologies into their operations.

Maj Gen Chahal interacted with troops of all ranks, where he commended their exceptional performance and unwavering professionalism. His feedback highlighted the critical role that continuous improvement and adaptation play in maintaining combat readiness and effectiveness.

The visit underscores the importance of regular reviews and updates to the operational strategies of military units to ensure they can meet contemporary challenges effectively. It also reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of readiness and the continuous development of its forces to ensure national security.

Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, alongside the GOC of CIF Delta, conducted a comprehensive security review of the operational preparedness in the Suigarh and Patnazi sectors of the Doda-Kishtwar region. The visit focused on assessing the current security measures and the readiness of the troops stationed in these critical areas.

During his inspection, Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva expressed his appreciation for the troops’ steadfastness and the high level of professional conduct they have maintained during their operations. His commendation highlights the rigorous training and discipline upheld by the forces in response to various security challenges in the region.

The GOC also reviewed the security arrangements for the ongoing Kaplas Kund Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees. Given the significance of the event and the location’s strategic sensitivity, security forces have implemented stringent measures to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

This includes heightened vigilance and the deployment of aerial platforms to provide over-watch, ensuring a comprehensive security cover.

The visit by the senior military leaders underscores the importance of maintaining a robust security posture in the Doda-Kishtwar area, which has historically been a region requiring careful monitoring and readiness due to its challenging terrain and strategic importance.

The proactive approach in assessing and enhancing the operational readiness in these sectors reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens during significant cultural and religious events.

At a significant event in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the substantial progress India is making towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). The Defence Minister emphasized that self-reliance across all sectors is crucial for a strong economy, and India is advancing rapidly on this path.

Shri Singh detailed several pivotal measures undertaken by the Government to fortify India’s defence capabilities and stimulate innovation. Notably, he mentioned the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the issuance of five Positive Indigenisation Lists, encompassing over 5,500 items to boost domestic manufacturing. A significant milestone in these efforts is the commencement of manufacturing GE-414 engines in India, marking a significant leap in the country’s engine production capability.

During his recent visit to the United States, the Raksha Mantri engaged in productive discussions with US defence companies, who expressed keen interest in joining India’s ‘Make In India’ initiative. This collaboration aims to reduce reliance on imports, which has shifted dramatically from 65-70% to 65% of defence equipment now being manufactured domestically.

The Raksha Mantri also shared impressive figures indicating that annual defence production has surpassed Rs 1.27 lakh crore, with a target set to reach Rs 1.75 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. He expressed confidence that by 2029, defence production would reach Rs three lakh crore, with defence exports anticipated to rise to Rs 50,000 crore from Rs 21,000 crore in the previous financial year.

On the international stage, Shri Singh noted the growing global influence of India, evidenced by Prime Minister Modi’s recent diplomatic engagements in Russia and Ukraine, where he was recognized as a significant global leader. He also highlighted the bestowal of Russia’s highest civilian honour on Prime Minister Modi, underscoring India’s enhanced stature worldwide.

Domestically, Shri Singh praised the transformative changes over the past decade, attributing them to both governmental efforts and public participation. These changes range from economic reforms and social transformations to cultural revivals and political shifts, branding the last decade as a period of epochal change with the Prime Minister and the government as pivotal ‘Change Makers’.

The Raksha Mantri also touched on the robust growth of India’s economy, which has not only emerged from being one of the ‘Fragile Five’ to being among the ‘Fabulous Five’ globally but is also projected to become the third largest economy by 2027. He highlighted the controlled inflation rate and the explosive growth of the startup ecosystem, reinforcing the government’s commitment to good governance, punctuated by high capital expenditure and strategic investments in welfare schemes.

Concluding his speech, Shri Singh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing women’s safety and empowerment, citing legislative reforms and increased participation of women in the Armed Forces as key indicators of this commitment.

Shri Rajnath Singh’s address underscored India’s strides toward becoming a self-reliant nation, poised for unprecedented growth and global leadership in the coming years.

In a significant move to bolster the welfare of its veterans and their families, the Indian Army, under the leadership of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), inaugurated Project NAMAN. This nationwide initiative was launched to provide comprehensive support and services to the defense community across India.

During the launch event, General Dwivedi expressed his deep appreciation for the project, noting its transformative potential in enhancing the welfare of veterans, war widows, and their next of kin. He highlighted the commitment of the Indian Army to continuously support its extended family of veterans who have served the nation with honor.

At the core of Project NAMAN is the implementation of SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha), a digital pension system designed to simplify and streamline pension-related processes.

This initiative aims to address the need for easily accessible facilitation points across the country. It will deliver a wide array of services through dedicated Common Service Centres (CSCs) tailored specifically for the Indian Army’s veterans and their families.

The establishment of Project NAMAN has been facilitated through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV), Common Service Centre e-Governance India Limited, and HDFC Bank Limited.

This collaboration underscores a unified approach to enhance the support structure for the veteran community, ensuring they receive the benefits and services they deserve efficiently and transparently.

Project NAMAN is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of countless members of the defense community, providing them with the support and recognition they rightfully deserve.