The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today held a meaningful interaction with Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), along with Regional Presidents of AWWA, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During the interaction, the Hon’ble President was briefed on the wide-ranging welfare initiatives undertaken by AWWA for the benefit of Veer Naris, widows, veterans, children with special needs (CwSN), and the extended families of serving personnel. The focus on enhancing outreach to women residing and working in remote and far-flung areas of the country was particularly highlighted, reaffirming AWWA’s commitment to inclusive and accessible welfare.

The Regional Presidents of AWWA presented insights into novel and contemporary initiatives being implemented across the country by various Regional and Zonal AWWA units, with a strong emphasis on women’s skill development, education, financial empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

The Hon’ble President appreciated AWWA’s role as a pillar of strength and support for the families of the Armed Forces and acknowledged its dedicated efforts to foster resilience and self-reliance among dependents of soldiers, veterans, and the next of kin.

The interaction served as a reaffirmation of AWWA’s enduring mission to uplift, empower, and care for the extended Army fraternity, ensuring that their welfare remains a priority at every level.

In a proud moment for the Armed Forces Medical Services, Command Hospital, Chandimandir has been conferred the Runners-Up Raksha Mantri Award for Best Tertiary Care Hospital by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.

This prestigious recognition reaffirms the hospital’s status as one of the leading healthcare institutions within the armed forces and the wider region.

The award is a testament to the hospital’s excellence in patient care, advanced medical services, research, and education, reflecting the tireless efforts of its medical, nursing, and support staff.

Command Hospital, Chandimandir continues to play a pivotal role in delivering world-class tertiary care to serving personnel, veterans, and their families, while also supporting critical operational and emergency medical requirements.

This recognition underscores the commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services to uphold the highest standards of medical excellence under the motto We Care.

Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, visited a formation in Manipur on Thursday to evaluate their operational preparedness amid the region’s ongoing challenges. The visit comes at a critical time as Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic conflict that has claimed over 200 lives since May 2023.

During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar witnessed the integration of new-generation equipment and innovations aimed at enhancing the combat effectiveness of the troops. The Indian Army has been focusing on modernizing its arsenal.

The Spear Corps, the largest formation in the Indian Army, is tasked with maintaining security across much of the northeastern region, including Manipur. Historically, the Corps has played a pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations, such as those against the Naga insurgency, and in defending India’s borders during the 1962 Battle of Walong against China. Lt Gen Pendharkar, who assumed command in August 2024, brings extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations from his previous postings in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control.

Addressing the troops, the Corps Commander commended their professionalism, dedication, and high morale. He emphasized their readiness to tackle future challenges, particularly in the context of the volatile situation in Manipur. “The troops have demonstrated exceptional commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. Their preparedness to meet any challenge is commendable,” Lt Gen Pendharkar stated, as per an official release from the Spear Corps.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s focus on strengthening its operational capabilities in the Northeast, a region of strategic importance, while addressing the complexities of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The Spear Corps continues to play a crucial role in ensuring stability and security in the region, supported by cutting-edge technology and the unwavering spirit of its soldiers.

The event was widely shared on social media, with the Spear Corps’ official handle posting images of the visit, including a group photo of the formation with a banner reading “Fight Clever, Fight to Win,” and scenes of Lt Gen Pendharkar inspecting equipment and addressing the troops. The post garnered positive responses from netizens, with many expressing pride in the Indian Army’s dedication and bravery.

Lieutenant General PK Mishra, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, visited Dharmund Garrison on Thursday to assess the operational preparedness and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Chenab Valley, a region that has witnessed a surge in terror-related incidents over the past two years.

During his visit, Lt Gen Mishra commended the troops for their unwavering resolve and professionalism in the fight against terrorism. He lauded their tireless efforts, emphasizing the critical role they play in safeguarding the region. The GOC also took the opportunity to interact with ex-servicemen, acknowledging their continued dedication to nation-building and their contributions to strengthening community resilience.

The White Knight Corps, also known as XVI Corps, is headquartered in Nagrota and oversees some of the most strategic and sensitive areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar. These districts have been focal points of anti-terror operations, with recent incidents highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. Just months ago, in August 2024, Captain Singh of the Indian Army succumbed to injuries sustained during an operation in Doda, marking the fourth encounter in the Udhampuri-Doda-Kishtwar region in a short span. Additionally, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was killed in an anti-terror operation in Kishtwar in November 2024, further underscoring the challenges faced by security forces.

Lt Gen Mishra, who assumed command of the White Knight Corps on April 1, 2025, succeeding Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, has prioritized operational excellence and fostering peace in the region. His visit to Dharmund Garrison comes at a time when the Indian Army is intensifying efforts to curb terrorist activities, including training Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in border areas to bolster anti-infiltration measures. The Chenab Brigade, under the White Knight Corps, has been actively involved in such initiatives, with a recent training program for VDGs launched in January 2025 in Jammu district.

The GOC’s engagement with ex-servicemen also reflects the Army’s strategy to strengthen community ties and leverage local support in counter-terrorism efforts. This approach aligns with the broader vision of enhancing the Army’s operational capabilities while maintaining a strong bond with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as emphasized by Lt Gen Sachdeva during his tenure.

The Indian Army continues to face challenges in the region, with allegations of civilian mistreatment during operations in Kishtwar in November 2024 currently under investigation. Despite these hurdles, the White Knight Corps remains steadfast in its mission to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of the region’s residents.

The visit to Dharmund Garrison is a testament to the Indian Army’s proactive stance in addressing security threats and fostering peace in Jammu and Kashmir, even as external forces continue to fuel residual terrorism in the area.

In a significant youth engagement initiative, 29 cadets from the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, visited Jammu as part of an educational tour organized by the Indian Army. The cadets, aspiring future leaders of the armed forces, were hosted by the Tiger Division, a prominent infantry unit under the Western Command of the Indian Army, known for its strategic role in the region.

The visit provided the young cadets with a firsthand experience of military life. A key highlight of the tour was a weapon and equipment display, where the cadets witnessed an array of military gear, including advanced sniper rifles and missile launchers, showcasing the Indian Army’s operational capabilities. The display aimed to inspire and educate the cadets about the technological and tactical aspects of modern warfare.

The cadets also had the opportunity to interact with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Tiger Division, gaining insights into leadership, discipline, and the responsibilities of serving in the armed forces. The event took place in an open area with the iconic “Tiger Division” signage in the background, symbolizing the unit’s proud legacy.

The Rashtriya Indian Military College, established in 1922 in Dehradun, is a Category A establishment of the Ministry of Defence and a feeder institution for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Naval Academy, and the Indian Armed Forces. Such educational tours are designed to nurture the next generation of military leaders by providing them with early exposure to the army’s operations and ethos.

The Rising Star Corps, which shared details of the event on social media, emphasized the importance of engaging future leaders through such initiatives. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering patriotism and military awareness among the youth, ensuring a strong foundation for the country’s defense forces.

The event received positive reactions online, with netizens praising the initiative for shaping the “future tigers” of the Indian Army. The Tiger Division, historically known for its contributions during operations like Operation Parakram, continues to play a vital role in both defense and community engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Vajra Corps of the Indian Army organized a significant Ex-Servicemen Rally and Weapon Display at Hoshiarpur, where Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Vajra Corps, engaged with National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and instructional staff from the Jalandhar Group.

The event, held under the aegis of the theme ‘Veeron Ka Samman, Desh Ka Abhiman,’ reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to its veterans while inspiring the youth to contribute to nation-building.

Lt Gen Chandpuria, who took command of Vajra Corps in July 2024, lauded the NCC cadets for their unwavering dedication to welfare initiatives, awareness drives, and their transformative anti-drug campaign.

Addressing the cadets, he emphasized the importance of embodying discipline, values, and ethos, urging them to lead from the front in shaping a stronger, drug-free India. “NCC cadets are the vanguards of discipline and nation-building,” he remarked, inspiring them to forge a path as future leaders of the nation.

The event saw the participation of over 2,000 ex-servicemen and their families from Hoshiarpur and nearby districts, alongside NCC cadets dressed in their khaki uniforms adorned with green berets and red sashes.

The rally featured a weapon display, showcasing the Army’s capabilities, and provided a platform for interaction between veterans, serving personnel, and the youth. Photographs from the event captured Lt Gen Chandpuria shaking hands with cadets, presenting awards, and engaging in heartfelt conversations, reflecting the Army’s commitment to both its past and future.

Vajra Corps, also known as XI Corps, is headquartered in Jalandhar and operates under the Western Command of the Indian Army. Established in 1950 to oversee formations in Punjab, the Corps draws its name and emblem—a thunderbolt weapon of Lord Indra—from the mythological symbol of sacrifice, representing the sage Dadhichi’s selfless act.

The NCC, founded in 1948, continues to play a pivotal role in developing character, comradeship, and a secular outlook among the youth, with its cadets pledging to uphold India’s unity.

The rally not only honored the sacrifices of ex-servicemen but also highlighted the role of the NCC in fostering discipline and leadership, aligning with the broader mission of strengthening the nation.

The event concluded with a group photograph of Lt Gen Chandpuria, NCC cadets, and staff, symbolizing the unity and shared purpose of the Indian Army and its future torchbearers.