During a recent visit to the Army Air Defence College, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), honored retired Naik Gourang Nayak with the distinguished ‘Veteran Achievers Award.’ This accolade celebrates Nayak’s remarkable contributions to nation-building and youth empowerment following his retirement from military service.
Hailing from the remote Koraput region of Odisha, Nayak has emerged as a proactive leader in youth development initiatives in underserved areas. His dedicated efforts have inspired and mobilized local youth to take on productive roles within society, guiding many toward careers in the armed forces and various security sectors.
Nayak’s establishment of a Youth Academy has already seen considerable success, mentoring young aspirants with 32 students securing positions in the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and local police. This achievement highlights the significant impact of Nayak’s grassroots initiatives and his commitment to nurturing the next generation.
In his commendation, Gen Dwivedi emphasized that service to the nation transcends active military duty. He acknowledged that veterans like Nayak play a crucial role in shaping society and enhancing national strength. The award serves as a testament to the Indian Army’s profound respect for its veterans and their enduring contributions, reinforcing the belief that “Service is a lifelong journey” in the mission to build a unified and resilient India.
