Indian Army’ Gajraj Corps hosts mega rally for veterans in Assam
In a heart-warming tribute to the nation’s unsung heroes, the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army organised a large-scale Ex-Servicemen Rally at the Hem Barua Higher Secondary School on Sunday. The event served as a powerful testament to the Army’s enduring commitment to the dignity, welfare, and empowerment of its veteran community, Veer Naris, and their families.
The rally saw an overwhelming turnout, with approximately 4,000 ex-servicemen and their dependents from the Sonitpur and Biswanath districts participating, underscoring the unbreakable bond between the uniformed fraternity and the retired personnel.
Major General HS Gill, General Officer Commanding, Blazing Sword Division, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he lauded the veterans and Veer Naris for their monumental contributions to the nation’s sovereignty. “Your courage and resilience remain the bedrock of our inspiration,” he remarked, as he paid solemn tributes to those who served on the frontiers.
The ceremony featured a poignant felicitation programme, where six Veer Naris and eight distinguished war veterans were honoured for their exemplary service and sacrifice. The event featured 46 dedicated welfare stalls, functioning as a “one-stop shop” for the veteran fraternity. Recognising the complexities of post-service administration, the Army set up specialised pension assistance cells, including representatives from CDA Guwahati and PCDA (P) Prayagaj, to resolve grievances and provide hands-on support for the SPARSH digital pension platform.
Beyond pension-related matters, the stalls offered guidance on healthcare through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), employment assistance, and documentation support. Representatives from the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) and various Records Offices were also present to ensure that the transition to civilian life remains seamless.
In a holistic approach to resettlement, the rally saw active participation from civil Government departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and the District Industries and Commerce Centre. Experts provided vital insights into agri-entrepreneurship, livestock farming, and MSME opportunities, encouraging veterans to explore sustainable livelihood avenues.
Financial inclusion was equally prioritised, with leading institutions like the State Bank of India, Axis Bank, and Punjab National Bank providing advisory services on financial planning, loans, and pension management. Furthermore, corporate giants and private entities, including Hero MotoCorp, Maruti Suzuki, and Sonalika Tractors, offered guidance on dealership prospects and technical job roles.
A high-capacity medical camp offered free specialised consultations in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, dentistry, and gynaecology. Demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being of disabled veterans, the organisers distributed wheelchairs and hearing aids. In a significant act of support for rehabilitation, a customised tri-scooter was presented to a disabled war veteran to facilitate greater mobility and independence.
The ethos of service continued throughout the day with a voluntary blood donation drive, which saw 80 units of blood collected from soldiers and participants. Meanwhile, the Army Recruiting Office (ARO), Jorhat, provided intensive counselling for youth aspiring to join the force, ensuring the proud legacy of military service is passed down to the next generation.
The event concluded with a cultural programme where local students presented patriotic performances, leaving the veterans and their families with a profound sense of pride and gratitude.
Through this mega-rally, the Gajraj Corps once again proved that for the Indian Army, a soldier’s service does not end with retirement— it marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to their welfare.
