In a solemn tribute to the brave men and women who once safeguarded the nation’s frontiers, the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army organised a large-scale Ex-Servicemen Rally at Hem Barua Higher Secondary School, Ghoramari, Assam. The rally reaffirmed the Indian Army’s enduring commitment towards the welfare, dignity and empowerment of its veterans, Veer Naris and their families.
The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of approximately 4,000 ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and family members from the districts of Biswanath and Sonitpur, reflecting the deep and enduring bond that continues to unite the Army with its veteran community.
The rally was graced by Major General H.S. Gill, Yudh Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding, Blazing Sword Division, who attended as the Chief Guest, along with senior military officials, representatives of the civil administration and officials from various government departments, public sector organisations and private institutions. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest paid rich tributes to the veterans and Veer Naris for their immense contribution towards safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the nation.
Honouring the Nation’s Bravehearts:
As a mark of deep respect and gratitude, 06 Veer Naris (war widows) and 08 distinguished war veterans were felicitated during the ceremony in recognition of their sacrifices and exemplary service to the nation. Their courage and resilience continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.
Comprehensive Welfare Outreach:
A total of 46 welfare stalls were established at the venue, bringing together representatives from the Army, civil administration, financial institutions, corporate organisations and welfare agencies to provide a wide spectrum of services and assistance to the veteran fraternity.
These included pension facilitation, employment assistance, financial advisory services, medical support, documentation assistance and livelihood guidance.
Dedicated pension assistance cells were established with representatives from CDA Guwahati (Pension Cell) and PCDA (P) Prayagraj to resolve pension-related grievances and facilitate expeditious processing of pending cases. A support desk was also established for the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha) digital pension platform.
The rally also featured stalls from several Army and veteran support organisations.
These stalls provided guidance on documentation, entitlements, healthcare benefits and resettlement opportunities for ex-servicemen and their families.
Participation of Civil Departments and Government Agencies:
Several government departments actively participated in the rally to promote livelihood opportunities and facilitate access to government welfare schemes.
Experts provided guidance on high-yield crops, livestock farming, aquaculture, agri-based entrepreneurship, government subsidy schemes and rural livelihood initiatives, enabling veterans to explore sustainable income opportunities after their service.
Financial Institutions and Corporate Participation:
To enhance financial inclusion and economic opportunities for veterans, several leading banks and corporate organisations also established assistance counters during the rally.
These institutions provided information on veteran-friendly banking services, pension account management, financial planning, loan facilities and entrepreneurship funding.
These stalls offered guidance on employment opportunities, dealership prospects, agricultural equipment support and small business initiatives for ex-servicemen.
Support counters for CSD and Non-CSD facilities, Handloom products, registration assistance and documentation services were also established to facilitate various needs of veterans and their families.
Medical Care and Rehabilitation Support:
A comprehensive medical camp was organised providing specialised healthcare services in the fields of:
• Gynecology
• Orthopedics
• Ophthalmology
• Dentistry
Army doctors and paramedical staff conducted free consultations and distributed essential medicines to veterans and their families.
To support elderly and disabled veterans, 08 wheelchairs and 11 hearing aids were distributed. In a significant gesture of care and rehabilitation, a customised tri-scooter was presented to a disabled war veteran to enhance mobility and independence.
Blood Donation Drive:
Reinforcing the enduring ethos of selfless service, the rally also hosted a blood donation drive, during which approximately 80 units of blood were voluntarily donated by soldiers, veterans and local participants.
Employment and Resettlement Support:
Dedicated employment and resettlement assistance cells were established during the rally, enabling access to approximately 400 job vacancies across sectors such as security services, administration, logistics and technical roles, helping veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers.
Inspiring the Next Generation:
The Army Recruiting Office (ARO), Jorhat established a dedicated counselling desk to guide the dependents of ex-servicemen aspiring to join the Indian Army. Detailed briefings were provided on recruitment procedures, eligibility criteria and preparation standards, inspiring the next generation to carry forward the proud legacy of military service.
Cultural Tribute to Veterans:
The rally also featured patriotic cultural performances by school/college children and local artists, who paid heartfelt tribute to the veterans through songs, dances and poetry recitations, adding a spirit of pride, gratitude and celebration to the occasion.
A Powerful Reaffirmation of the Army’s Commitment:
The Ex-Servicemen Rally stood as a powerful demonstration of the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment towards the welfare of its veterans, Veer Naris and their families. Through 46 dedicated welfare stalls, medical assistance, pension facilitation, employment opportunities, financial guidance, agricultural advisory services and community participation, the Gajraj Corps once again reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to those who once stood in defence of the nation.
(Edited by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Sr.Broadcast Journalist, British Media)
(Inputs from Lt Col Athul Sreedharan PRO(Def)& Spokesperson Upper Assam & Arunachal Pradesh)
