By Pratyusha Mukherjee, Kalimpong, West Bengal
Under the banner of “Serving Those Who Served Us,” a significant gathering of over 500 ex-servicemen from West Bengal and neighbouring states convened in Kalimpong, West Bengal, for the Mega Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Rally.
Hosted by the Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles, the event aimed to honour and connect with veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
The rally elicited participation by more than 500 Ex-Servicemen from all the districts of the State including Gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents.
The aim of the rally, organised under the theme “Serving Those Who Served Us”, was to connect with the veterans, strengthen bonds with them and also acknowledge their contribution made for the country during the prime of their lives.
The occasion was graced by Lieutenant General P C Nair, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD, DG Assam Rifles as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General Assam Riles lauded the contribution of the veterans and the serving soldiers who have contributed
immensely to ensure the security and prosperity of the North–East and the country.
The veterans were informed about various beneficiary schemes including the recruitment rallies, sports quota for recruitment in Assam Rifles, reservation in various educational institutes/hostels, Ayushman Bharat and extension of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to Assam Rifles veterans.
The Director General also highlighted about conception of an Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Cell at every Unit level, adoption of Veer Naris and disabled veterans and outreach programme as part of which the Assam Rifles is reaching out to Veer Naris and veterans pan India.
As part of the event, a felicitation ceremony was organised in which the Director General Assam Rifles felicitated Veer Naris, Gallantry awardees and other Ex-Servicemen.
The representatives of Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles Shillong also provided a platform for registration of grievances and redressal.
Selected veterans were provided wheel chairs and other assistance devices at the venue.
An Ex-Servicemen Grievance Cell, Eye Camp and Help Desk of SBI Bank was also established as a part of the Ex- Servicemen Rally to facilitate the veterans.
Source: PRO, DGAR
