Pratyusha Mukherjee from Basirhar, North 24 Parganas
A Mega Veterans Outreach Programme was organised by 2 Raj Rif of Indian Army at Bhabla high school ground at the Basirhat Sub Division in West Bengal on 13 January 2025.The rally brought together 350 Veterans including Veer Naris and Veer Matas.
The event was a tribute to the selfless service and sacrifices of the Veterans of Indian Army including Veer Naris and Veer Matas. The rally enhanced the camaraderie of the Armed forces community and addressed their key welfare issues. A number of stalls and help desk from various welfare agencies and organisations such as ECHS, AWPO, Record Offices, SPARSH, CSD were set up at the venue with a focus to resolve pension and entitlement for publication related problems being faced by the Veterans.
The rally was specially aimed for ex-servicemen, war veterans, disabled soldiers and war widows to express solidarity and demonstrate that they remain inseparable members of the Armed Forces fraternity even post retirement.
Colonel Pradeep Sangwan , the Commanding officer of 2 Raj Rif of Indian Army ,other officers ,NCOs and other civil dignitaries attended the event.”It was a small effort from us to reach our veterans who fought valiantly for the service of the nation.”- Colonel Sangwan told to the media.
On the occasion, the Veterans, Veer Naris and Veer Matas were gifted with shawls, caps ,crockery sets as well and walking sticks for the specially abled veterans.
The outreach programme also included medical camp where in specialist doctor extended their services to the ESM.The rally provided an interactive platform and mitigated issues related to pension, medical, healthcare, re-employment and redressal of grievances. Help desk/ info desks from Handicraft Dept, were also established & well appreciated by one & all.
The rally proved to be a resounding success, fostering a supportive environment for the esteemed ex-servicemen and ensuring that their concerns are acknowledged and addressed effectively.
The 2nd battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (2 RAJ RIF) is a battalion in the Indian Army has a great war history. They fought in the 1999 Kargil War.
Battle of Tololing:
On June 12, 1999, the 2 RAJ RIF captured Tololing Top, a critical position in the Kargil region that overlooked the NH-1A highway. The 2 RAJ RIF’s victory was the Indian Army’s first in the war. The battalion’s commanding officer, M. B. Ravindranath, personally led reconnaissance teams under enemy fire and restored the situation after the enemy launched counterattacks.
Battle of Black Rock:
On the night of June 28, 1999, the 2 RAJ RIF assaulted Black Rock. Ravindranath took command of the assaulting company after the officer commanding and second-in-command were lost. The 2 RAJ RIF captured Black Rock.
Awards:
The 2 RAJ RIF received Battle and Theatre Honours, four Maha Vir Chakras, seven Vir Chakras, nine Sena Medals, and two Param Vir Chakras.
Casualties:
The 2 RAJ RIF suffered the heaviest officer casualties during the war. Eleven soldiers were sacrificed their lives including one officer and JCOs.Twenty-five soldiers were seriously injured.
(Ms.Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports. She is associated with us as Editorial head of Defence and Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism)
