The Northern Command of the Indian Army organised ‘Synergy Conference 3.0 – Veterans’ Conclave’ in Udhampur today to strengthen welfare and support mechanisms for veterans, Veer Naris and their dependents.
Held in a hybrid mode, the conclave was conceptualised under the guidance of Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command. Ms Sukriti Likhi, Secretary, Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), Ministry of Defence, joined the proceedings through video conference.
The conference brought together senior officers and representatives from various military formations as well as Central and UT-level civil administration departments. The deliberations centred on the three key pillars of ‘Seva, Samman aur Sammriddhi’, with the objective of strengthening post-service support systems and enabling the veteran community to contribute more effectively to nation-building.
The conclave provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on contemporary challenges faced by veterans, Veer Naris and their dependents. Key areas discussed included healthcare delivery, welfare schemes, skill development and upskilling, awareness of government initiatives, pension-related issues, second-career opportunities, institutional support and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Addressing the conclave, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the veteran community. He emphasised that the sacrifices, dedication and years of service rendered by military personnel must be recognised through meaningful and institutionalised welfare measures.
The Army Commander also stressed the need for closer coordination among all stakeholders to address the concerns of veterans effectively and strengthen the existing welfare framework.
Ms Sukriti Likhi appreciated the initiative undertaken by Northern Command and called for a collaborative approach among stakeholders to ensure timely and effective support to veterans and their dependents.
She reiterated the Central Government’s commitment towards the welfare and resettlement of veterans and their dependents in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The conclave underscored the Indian Army’s continued efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for veterans’ welfare and ensure that those who have served the nation continue to remain an integral part of the nation-building process.
(Inputs from Defence PRO Jammu)
