During a recent visit to Pithoragarh, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi provided significant updates regarding military operations and emphasized the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to national security. He remarked that Operation Sindoor 1.0 has not concluded but is merely on a temporary hold. General Dwivedi cautioned that “Operation Sindoor 2.0 could happen anytime,” reinforcing the Army’s state of readiness to respond decisively as necessary.
At the Army Brigade Headquarters, General Dwivedi engaged in extensive discussions with officers, later attending a ceremony at the local football ground. There, he honored both current soldiers and ex-servicemen for their outstanding service to the nation. This interaction underscored his commitment to addressing their welfare concerns and listening to their needs.
In his speech, General Dwivedi highlighted the critical role the Army plays in nation-building and humanitarian assistance. He reminded the audience of the force’s readiness during natural disasters, citing the Army’s rescue operations in Tharali, Uttarakhand, and its relief efforts following the Amarnath cloudburst as prime examples of its dedication to serving the people beyond just combat operations.
Encouraging leadership qualities among soldiers, General Dwivedi stressed the necessity of physical fitness, mental resilience, and technical skills. He urged them to engage in pursuits that align with their strengths—be it fitness, adventure, gaming, or innovation—to maintain adaptability and momentum. Additionally, he pointed out the significance of gender equality in training, noting that the physical tests for male and female personnel have been standardized and praising the increasing presence of women in the Army. He characterized women soldiers as embodying the spirit of Goddess Kali, defining them as “fierce, powerful, and compassionate,” and expressed confidence in their potential as exceptional leaders.
Addressing veterans’ concerns, General Dwivedi announced the establishment of the 50th ‘Naman Station’—a comprehensive welfare facility for ex-servicemen. He detailed ongoing efforts to systematically resolve pension, loan, and healthcare issues and introduced a new telemedicine facility designed to provide accessible medical consultations for veterans across the nation. To improve the speed of issue resolution and enhance policy coordination, he revealed that representatives from soldier boards at various governmental levels had recently been summoned to Delhi to directly present their concerns to Army Headquarters.
Looking ahead, General Dwivedi is scheduled to visit Jyolingkang (Adi Kailash), close to the India-China border, on Sunday. During this visit, he plans to meet with troops stationed in high-altitude posts, convey Diwali greetings, and boost their morale before traveling to Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, via Nainisaini Airport.
The Pithoragarh visit not only showcased the Army’s operational readiness and ongoing commitment to the nation but also reflected General Dwivedi’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and people-centric Indian Army, prepared to confront challenges spanning from direct military action to comprehensive nation-building efforts.
