In a poignant ceremony at the National War Memorial, Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh, the Army Commander of Southern Command, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Army. As he prepares to retire on June 30, his tribute was marked by the laying of a wreath in a solemn ceremony, highlighting his profound respect and commitment to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Lt. Gen. Singh, who has been leading the Southern Command since November 1, 2022, has a distinguished military career. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1984. His extensive operational experience spans across diverse terrains — from counter-insurgency areas and the icy Siachen glacier to high-altitude regions and the desert sector.

Throughout his service, Lt. Gen. Singh has held several key command and staff positions. He commanded the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, an elite brigade in the Western Theatre, a frontline Counter Insurgency Force in the Kashmir Valley, and the Trishakti Corps in Northeast India. His instructional roles include serving as an Instructor at the Commando Wing in Belgaum and significant appointments at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) in New Delhi, such as Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General (Operational Logistic & Strategic Movement).

For his exceptional service, Lt. Gen. Singh has been honored with multiple military decorations, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. His act at the National War Memorial not only signifies a personal tribute but also underscores the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to honoring its heroes.

In a significant visit to the Command Hospital in Kolkata, Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, Director General of Medical Services (Army), emphasized the importance of dedicated patient care during his interactions with the troops on Thursday.

During his tour, Lt Gen Chatterjee highlighted the virtues of dedication, humility, and courtesy in patient treatment. He expressed his appreciation for the hospital staff’s commitment to these values and underscored their importance in medical services.

The General Officer also visited several key facilities, including the newly established Early Intervention Centre (EIC), various super-specialty centers, and the recently installed Digital Mammography Centre. He praised the ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing patient care and the integration of advanced technologies in treatment processes.

The Command Hospital’s recent upgrades and the addition of the Early Intervention Centre are part of a broader initiative to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art healthcare services to both military personnel and civilians.

Lt Gen Chatterjee’s visit underscores the Army’s commitment to improving healthcare facilities and ensuring that medical services remain a top priority in the welfare of troops and their families.

Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, DGMS (Army) & Colonel Commandant, visited the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) to inaugurate several new advanced patient care facilities, marking a significant enhancement in the medical services provided to the armed forces.

The newly introduced facilities include a state-of-the-art Biplane Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, which is expected to improve the precision and efficiency of cardiac interventions. Additionally, the hospital proudly unveiled the first Preventive Cardiology Clinic in the armed forces, aimed at advancing preventive care measures among military personnel.

During the visit, the Armed Forces’ inaugural Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre was also launched alongside a specialized heart valve museum. These facilities are designed to offer comprehensive care and education regarding heart health, further strengthening the hospital’s cardiac care capabilities.

Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan, Commandant of Army Hospital (R&R), highlighted the importance of these new additions. He stated, “These state-of-the-art facilities significantly strengthen our patient care protocols, representing a substantial step forward in enhancing the medical services we provide.”

The introduction of these advanced medical facilities underscores the armed forces’ commitment to improving healthcare services for its personnel, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

In a commendable operation, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the local civil administration, has successfully evacuated more than 1,200 tourists trapped in North Sikkim since June 12 due to severe landslides. The last group of 150 tourists was rescued on June 19, marking the end of a week-long operation amidst challenging weather conditions.

Despite persistent rains and difficult terrain, the Army ensured the safety and well-being of all individuals, providing essential medical aid where needed. Notably, medical teams were deployed promptly, attending to over 115 people, including a critical case of a 24-year-old suffering from High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.

In addition to rescue efforts, the Army signalers played a crucial role in restoring mobile connectivity in the region for both BSNL and Airtel users, which had been disrupted by the landslides. This restoration helped facilitate better communication and coordination of the rescue operations.

The operation highlighted the Army’s dedication to humanitarian efforts, ensuring that all tourists received the necessary medical attention and basic necessities throughout the ordeal. The successful evacuation under such adverse conditions stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Indian Army personnel involved in the operation.

In an inspiring event aimed at shaping the future of national defense, the Kharga Corps of the Indian Army organized a significant outreach program at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Ambala.

This initiative, part of the corps’ ongoing efforts to enlighten young minds about the opportunities within the armed forces, drew participation from over 150 enthusiastic students.

Known for its valor and strategic importance, the Kharga Corps is a celebrated strike corps with a rich history of serving the nation. Established on October 7, 1971, by Lt Gen T N Raina, the corps distinguished itself during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, swiftly capturing key towns in Bangladesh.

After the war, the corps was reallocated to the Western Theatre, and since 1985, it has been stationed in Ambala, maintaining its reputation as a formidable offensive force.

The event at ITI Ambala featured a series of orientation and career counseling sessions led by the #AirawatVayuRakshaks, focusing on the diverse roles and responsibilities within the Indian Army. The sessions aimed to ignite a passion for national service and provided a platform for students to interact with armed forces personnel directly.

The initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of military leaders under its guiding banners of #IgnitingMinds and #InServiceOfNation.

This outreach program not only bridges the gap between young citizens and military careers but also reinforces the Army’s dedication to community engagement and nation-building.

In a heartfelt ceremony held in Pune, the Southern Star Region, under the aegis of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), paid tribute to twenty Veer Naris, commemorating their resilience and sacrifice.

The event, led by the Ex-Officio Regional President of AWWA, was a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and contributions of these women, who have faced immense personal loss due to the ultimate sacrifices made by their spouses in service to the nation.

AWWA, a pivotal organization within the Indian Army, is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the welfare of army families, focusing especially on the needs of children, widows, and retired personnel.

The association’s efforts are aimed at providing comprehensive support and recognition to these families, ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve.

The ceremony in Pune not only recognized the Veer Naris as pillars of strength but also reinforced AWWA’s commitment to fostering a supportive community for the families of soldiers who have served the Indian Army.

This event serves as a reminder of the nation’s gratitude to those who have sacrificed their lives for India, and the ongoing responsibility to look after their loved ones.

Lt. Gen. MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, recently visited the Fire and Fury Corps, also known as the 14th Corps, to assess their operational readiness amid the ongoing security challenges along the India-China border in the Ladakh region.

During his visit, the Army Commander was briefed on both the training protocols and the current security dynamics.

Praising the troops for their operational readiness, Lt. Gen. Suchindra Kumar commended their efforts and encouraged them to maintain a high state of morale. The Fire and Fury Corps, raised on September 1, 1999, following the Kargil conflict, plays a pivotal role in bolstering India’s defense capabilities in this strategically crucial area.

The corps, responsible for the defense of the Siachen Glacier—known as the world’s highest battlefield—faces adversaries on both the Pakistani and Chinese fronts, making its role critical for national security.

The insignia of the Fire and Fury Corps, featuring two crossed flaming thunderbolts with a sword in between, symbolizes power, strength, and success, uniquely representing the valor of the 14th Corps.

This visit underscores the ongoing commitment of the Indian Army to ensure the security and preparedness of its forces in key border areas.