In a remarkable ceremony on the sidelines of his visit to the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), honoured two distinguished veterans, Captain Rameshwar Thakur (Retd) and Honorary Captain Sham Lal Sharma (Retd), with the prestigious ‘Veterans Achievers Award’.
This award celebrates the exemplary contributions of retired officers who have continued to serve the nation with distinction and dedication.
Captain Rameshwar Thakur (Retd)
Commissioned into the Indian Army in 1985, Captain Thakur’s career epitomizes service and excellence. Post his tenure in the Army, he joined the Himachal Pradesh Police Services (#HPPS) in 1994, where he achieved historic milestones. At the Punjab Police Academy, he shattered a record that had stood for over a century by excelling in all aspects of training. He was adjudged:
- Best in Indoors
- Best in Outdoors
- All-Round Best Officer
Over his illustrious career, Captain Thakur held key positions and was the recipient of numerous accolades, including:
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service
- Police Special Duty Medal
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services
- International Clark & Bavin Wildlife Enforcement Award
- Interpol Appreciation
Currently serving as the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, his contributions continue to inspire countless individuals. His journey from the Army to the Police Services and beyond reflects his commitment to excellence and public service.
Honorary Captain Sham Lal Sharma (Retd)
After retiring from the Army, Honorary Captain Sham Lal Sharma transformed his ancestral land in Village Dhamoon into a thriving model of sustainable agriculture and horticulture. His plantation boasts:
- Over 500 varieties of plants and vegetables.
- Use of eco-friendly farming methods by adopting natural manure and avoiding chemical pesticides, promoting organic farming.
In addition to his agricultural innovations, Captain Sharma extends free training and advisory services to local farmers and ex-servicemen, encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly and organic farming techniques. His efforts have earned him:
- Recognitions from state agriculture and horticulture departments.
- Numerous accolades at local festivals for his pioneering work.
Through his dedication, Captain Sharma has made a significant impact on his community, inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices and organic farming.
Building a Stronger, United India
The achievements of Captain Rameshwar Thakur and Honorary Captain Sham Lal Sharma highlight the enduring spirit of service among veterans. Their remarkable contributions exemplify the ethos of the Indian Army: “Service is a Lifelong Journey.”
General Upendra Dwivedi’s presentation of the Veterans Achievers Award reflects the Indian Army’s pride in its retired officers, who continue to contribute to the nation’s progress and unity in extraordinary ways.
