Jalandhar/National News- Army Chief General Bikram Singh urges veterans to motivate younger generation to join Army

Jalandhar, September 29, 2013: The Army conducted an Ex-servicemen Rally at Jalandhar Cantt on Sunday under the aegis of Vajra Corps.   
The rally was attended by 7,500 - 8,000 ex-servicemen and Veer Naris from districts across Punjab.   The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bikram Singh and Bubbles Bikram Singh graced the occasion with their presence as the Chief Guest.   
In his address to the veterans the Army Chief lauded the contribution of Punjab towards Armed forces.   The Army Chief emphasised that sacrifices made by the heroes will continue to inspire the present and coming generations.   
The Army Chief urged the veterans to motivate the younger generation to join the Army as it is the most “noble” profession.   
He reiterated Army’s commitment and concern for the well being of Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris and widows and highlighted measures being taken to ensure their well being.
The General Officer assured that Army will reach out to all its veterans and continue to take steps to review and further improve upon the support and facilities being extended to them.
24 physically challenged veteran soldiers were provided with modified Honda Activa Scooters and 500 Veer Naris, widows and Ex-servicemen were felicitated by the Army Chief and his wife Bubbles Bikram Singh.
The General and wife were received by Lt Gen Philip Campose, GOC-in-C Western Command and Lt Gen AK Bakshi, GOC Vajra Corps.   
The rally was also attended by Adjutant general from Army HQ and many other distinguished senior officers.
The Army had set up multifarious stalls at the rally site to provide medical cure, immediate address to their grievances and bring in awareness about various rehabilitation and welfare measures instituted.   
Issues related to pension, education, housing, insurance, placement, recruitment, finance and personnel records were addressed by dedicated teams detailed from the Army headquarter, Civil Administration, banks and private industry representatives.   Rajya Sainik Board was also actively involved in updating the Ex-servicemen about various welfare schemes of Government of Punjab.
The Chief host, Lt Gen AK Bakshi, GOC Vajra Corps thanked the COAS and all the veterans and Veer Naris who came from various places for taking time out to make the Rally such a huge success.   This rally highlighted the “Year of Veterans” programme as a successful endeavour being under taken by Indian Army.
Prior to the Ex-Servicemen Rally, Gen Bikram Singh inaugurated the State- of-the-art and the newly built Vajra Corps Headquarters building here at Jalandhar Cantt.  Ultra Modern facilities have been provided in this newly built Vajra corps Headquarters Building.