11-10-2025:Governor participated in the “Devbhoomi Mega Ex-Servicemen Rally” organised at Jaswant Singh Ground, Garhi Cantt.
Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) participated in the “Devbhoomi Mega Ex-Servicemen Rally” held at Jaswant Singh Ground, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, on Saturday. The event witnessed the presence of Minister for Sainik Welfare, Shri Ganesh Joshi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan; and thousands of ex-servicemen and Veer Naris. Organized by the Uttarakhand Sub Area, the rally included the distribution of scooters to 14 differently-abled ex-servicemen by the War Wounded Foundation. Additionally, 20 Veer Naris and outstanding ex-servicemen were felicitated for their service. The Sainik Welfare Department also presented golf carts to the Uttarakhand Sub Area, financed through UPNL (Uttarakhand Purv Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited) for the convenience of veterans.
Calling the occasion “historic,” the Governor expressed pride in witnessing such a large gathering of ex-servicemen. He said that the discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism of former soldiers are a priceless source of inspiration for society. “The values and discipline you have instilled in your lives will continue to guide future generations,” he said. The Governor emphasized that it is the nation’s duty to always honor their contribution and spread the message that ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) is the essence of India’s strength and its path to becoming a Vishwaguru.
Encouraging the Veer Naris, the Governor urged them to strengthen their economic independence through Self-Help Groups and become self-reliant. He called upon ex-servicemen to share their leadership, experience, and discipline with society, inspiring and guiding the youth. He informed that a Grievance Redressal Officer has been appointed at Raj Bhawan to address the concerns of ex-servicemen, reaffirming that “the doors of Raj Bhawan will always remain open for them.”
Addressing the gathering, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan praised the role of ex-servicemen in nation-building, describing Uttarakhand as the “Land of the Brave” that has enhanced India’s glory in every war and crisis. He stated that the Indian Armed Forces are rapidly advancing toward modern warfare systems and technologies. “We are a peace-loving nation, but we will never compromise our sovereignty,” he asserted. The CDS lauded the selfless service and dedication of ex-servicemen, calling them “the vigilant eyes guarding the nation’s frontiers,” and urged the youth to draw inspiration from their patriotism.
General Chauhan announced that an Integrated Veterans’ Wellness and Service Centre will soon be established at the Dehradun Military Station. The centre, he said, will be fully technology-driven and dedicated to the welfare of ex-servicemen. He expressed confidence that the Uttarakhand Sub Area Headquarters will complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
Minister for Sainik Welfare, Shri Ganesh Joshi, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of serving and retired soldiers. The rally also saw the participation of GOC-in-C Central Command Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC Northern India Area Lt Gen D.G. Mishra, GOC Uttarakhand Sub Area Maj Gen M.P.S. Gill, President of the War Wounded Foundation Lt Gen Asit Mistry (Retd.), Brigadier Harcharan Singh (Retd.), and several other dignitaries.
The event also featured a Job Fair with 21 participating companies, along with stalls providing banking facilities, information on government welfare schemes, and a free medical camp for ex-servicemen and their families.
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