Barrackpore figures very prominently in the history of freedom movement of India where Mangal Pandey thundered against the tyranny of British rulers in 1857 which finds place in Indian history as Sepoy Mutiny. The oldest Army Cantonment. Barrackpore is also established here .
Today HIMALAYAN CONQUERORS BRIGADE organized VETERANS RALLY at this historic Barrackpore Military Station under the aegis of Bengal Sub Area for the Veterans and war widows hailing from Barrackpore Sub Division.
The Veterans Rally was held in close co-ordination with the State Administration and District Sainik Board. The focus of the day was to reach out and to establish connect with Veterans in order to extend meaningful welfare and provide platform for resolution of various problems faced by veterans. The event was presided by Major General H Dharmarajan, GOC Bengal Sub Area, who felicitated distinguished veterans and Veer Naris/ Veer Matas.
Various Records Office counters were set up to resolve long outstanding pension anomalies of veterans. Army Recruitment Office, ECHS and various State Welfare agencies had also established information counters and help desk to register and resolve various problems being faced by the veterans.
Medical Camp (with specialist doctors from Hoogly Healers Base Hospital) were also present and set up their counter for welfare of all veterans.
Leuitanant Colonel Shanti Bhushan Das (Retired) is the Vice President of Akhil Bharatiya Porva Sainik Seva Parishad ,West Bengal. He shared his thoughts with a happy heart.
“My gratitude to organizers who helped us and remembered us .Such action will bring society and new generation closer to each other to have a joyful life. More we are advanced in IT Sectors by new mobile connectivities the lesser we find time to listen to others and interact physically under one umbrella. This ESM meet demonstrates a great vision and inspiration for the new generation.
The spirit of Union will also encourage the veterans towards boosting up the morale of their children and will show them the way more sensibly to make India great and achieve our goal in different fields besides ensuring nation’s safety and security.”
Colonel (Retired) Dharmesh Chandra was also delighted.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Bengal Sub Area for organising the veterans rally at Barrackpore.The event not only brought together a community of retired military veterans but also helped us in resolving our problems.The pension related apprehensions arisen due to migration to Sparsh was aptly addressed by concerned army officials and the Bank officials of SBI and Yes Bank. I would also like to commend the GOC Bengal Sub Area Maj General Dharamrajan and his team of officers for their efforts in planning and executing such an important event, which provided a platform for us veterans to connect and bond. Once again, thanks to the organizers for their hard work and dedication.”
A fusion band and cultural event were also arranged for veterans fraternity.
The event addressed various grievances, disseminated information about welfare schemes alongwith felicitation of 968 war heroes and Veer Naris.This colourful event was graced by various serving and retired military dignitaries and civil administration officials.
Source: Indian Army
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
(Author is a senior Journalist and covers Defence and Sports related issues more than a decade.
In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved National and International media awards for Journalism. )
