Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi received an unusual and symbolic request for ‘guru dakshina’ during his visit to spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s ashram in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. The revered spiritual figure urged the Army Chief to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as an offering of honor.

General Dwivedi visited the ashram on Wednesday, where he sought blessings from Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and participated in a spiritual discussion with saints and students. During their interaction, the Jagadguru drew parallels between the Army Chief’s mission and the mythological journey of Lord Hanuman to Lanka. He said General Dwivedi had received the same diksha (initiation) with the sacred Ram Mantra that was once given to Hanuman before his mission to rescue Sita.

In this spiritual context, Rambhadracharya requested PoK as guru dakshina — a traditional offering made by disciples to their gurus in Hindu philosophy — highlighting the symbolic and nationalistic tone of the message.

The request comes shortly after the launch of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation, initiated on May 7, targeted multiple terror bases in Pakistan and PoK and led to an intense exchange of fire until a ceasefire was reached on May 10. Despite the relative calm since then, Indian officials have reiterated that Operation Sindoor remains active in strategic terms.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a renowned scholar, philosopher, and Padma awardee, is known for his advocacy for national unity and cultural revival. His poetic appeal for the reclamation of PoK underlines the deep connection between spirituality and patriotism in India’s civil-military discourse.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, along with Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), visited the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University and Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya in Chitrakoot. The visit marked a significant step in promoting military-civil integration and underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to inclusive development under the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

Addressing students at the Divyang University, General Dwivedi praised their courage, resilience, and determination in pursuing education despite physical challenges. He described the students as inspiring examples of perseverance and emphasized their importance in shaping a compassionate and progressive society. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for being conferred the prestigious Jnanpith Award 2025, recognizing his invaluable contributions to education and the upliftment of persons with disabilities.

At Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, General Dwivedi acknowledged the institution’s exceptional service in rural eye care. He highlighted the hospital’s record of over 34 lakh successful eye surgeries and more than 2 crore outpatient consultations, calling it the world’s largest rural eye care provider. The General applauded the dedication of the medical staff and drew parallels with the Indian Army’s own medical corps, particularly their precision and commitment during Operation Sindoor, where timely medical aid played a crucial role.

The visit by the Army Chief and AWWA President reaffirmed the Indian Army’s proactive approach in supporting social institutions that contribute meaningfully to national development. Through such engagements, the Army continues to strengthen its bond with civil society and contribute to the vision of a developed and inclusive India.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the combat readiness of The Kushagra Regiment at the South Western Command headquarters in Jaipur. The review showcased the regiment’s operational capabilities, technological advancements, and its critical role in safeguarding India’s western frontier.

Since assuming command of the Sapta Shakti Command in July 2024, Lt Gen Singh has emphasized modernization and combat effectiveness across the region. During the review, he praised The Kushagra Regiment for its professionalism, integration of cutting-edge military technologies, and consistent commitment to operational excellence. The regiment demonstrated its use of advanced surveillance and target acquisition systems, underscoring the Army’s increasing focus on multi-domain warfare and enhanced air defense.

The event took place against the backdrop of the South Western Command’s historic headquarters, with its red-domed structure and regimental flags providing a ceremonial atmosphere. The presence of troops in precise formation highlighted the discipline and pride within the regiment.

The Kushagra Regiment’s demonstration aligns with ongoing strategic initiatives such as Operation Sindoor, aimed at fortifying India’s border defenses and improving rapid response capabilities in the Indo-Pak theater. The South Western Command, operational since 2005, remains a crucial component in India’s defense structure, overseeing sensitive sectors along the western border.

Lt Gen Singh’s review reinforces the Indian Army’s broader efforts to ensure frontline units like The Kushagra Regiment are not only combat-ready but also equipped with the latest technology to counter evolving threats. The regiment’s performance was acknowledged as a benchmark for other units under the command, reaffirming its role in India’s modern military landscape.

Subedar Narayana, a para-athlete from the Indian Army, has brought immense pride to the nation by clinching two gold medals at the Asian Indoor Rowing Championships. Competing in the Men’s PR3 Singles category, Narayana dominated both the 2000m and 500m events, displaying remarkable endurance, skill, and determination.

A mine blast survivor, Narayana’s journey from a debilitating injury to international glory is a story of sheer resilience. After losing part of his limb during a service operation in the Valley in 2013, he turned to para-rowing as part of his rehabilitation process. What began as a step toward recovery soon transformed into a path to excellence. Over the years, he has amassed a commendable list of achievements, including six National Championship medals, bronze medals at the World Rowing Cup in 2019 and 2022, and a bronze at the Asian Championships in 2019.

Narayana had previously struck gold at the Indoor Asian Championship in 2021 and won silver at the 2023 Asian Games with rowing partner Anita in the MixPR3 category. Their partnership has since qualified for the upcoming Paris Paralympics, marking another milestone in his inspiring career.

His latest triumph in Thailand is a proud moment not only for Indian sports but also for the Indian Army’s Mission Olympic Wing, which has played a pivotal role in his development. This elite program, supporting over 450 athletes across 11 disciplines, has produced several world-class champions, including Olympic gold medalist Subedar Neeraj Chopra.

Narayana trains at the Army Rowing Node (ARN) in Pune under the mentorship of coaches like Subedar Mohammed Azad. The Commanding Officer of ARN, Col Ramakrishnan, lauded Narayana’s spirit and perseverance, calling his achievements a beacon of hope and motivation for others facing adversity.

Recognizing his contributions, the Indian Army had earlier granted him an out-of-turn promotion, honoring both his service and his sporting excellence. Narayana’s success story continues to resonate across the nation as a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of India’s soldiers—on the battlefield and beyond.

As India celebrates Subedar Narayana’s double gold, he stands as a shining example of courage, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.