The armed forces veterans have an important role to play in the nation building activities and efforts should be made for preparing welfare schemes for them, said the Principal of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Colonel Ajay Kothiyal while speaking at a 'Sainik Milan Samaroh’ organised by Gaurav Senani Association at the Naya Gaon near Shimla By Pass on Sunday. Making his intentions clear, Col Kothiyal said that he is interested to work for the people of the state after retirement from Army. He said that he would associate himself in social works in the state and would continue to train youths for armed forces of the country.
The Principal of NIM said that he does not intend to take promotion on the post of Brigadier and instead work for the people of the State.
Col Kothiyal listened the grievances of the ex -servicemen and said that efforts should be made to create employment opportunities for the dependents of armed forces veterans. Terming ex servicemen as backbone of the economy of the state, he reiterated his resolve to work for their welfare.
The decision of Col Kothiyal to shun the promotion and instead work for the state is important as he is considered as the man behind successful reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in Kedarnath after the disaster of 2013. He is also involved in the activities of Youth Foundation which primarily trains youths for recruitment in the armed forces of the country. The foundation claimed that about 2500 youths trained by it in recent years are serving in various arms of country's defence forces. In the programme Col Kothiyal was felicitated by the members of the association. The President of the association Mahavir Singh Rana congratulated Youth Foundation set up by Col Kothiyal for completing four years. The general secretary of association R S Kandari, Secretary Ranvir Singh Rawat, Vice President Manwar Singh Rauthan, Treasrer Girish Joshi, Subedar Major Tejpal Singh Negi, Suraj Negi and others were present on the occasion.