Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, visited the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj, paying tribute to the victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. The memorial stands as a symbol of resilience and remembrance, commemorating those who lost their lives in one of India’s most devastating natural disasters.
The Smritivan Museum, which has been nominated by UNESCO’s prestigious Prix Versailles as one of the world’s most beautiful museums, showcases Gujarat’s journey of reconstruction and recovery after the earthquake. It serves as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting stories of survival, rehabilitation, and resilience.
During his visit, General Dwivedi interacted with key officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Bhuj, Inspector General of Kutch, and the Director of Smritivan. Their discussions focused on the significance of the memorial in preserving history, the role of disaster management strategies, and the collaborative efforts in community rebuilding.
As part of his ongoing visit, the COAS also met with veterans, recognizing their selfless service to the nation. He praised their continued contributions to nation-building and acknowledged their efforts in strengthening the defense ecosystem and community welfare initiatives.
The visit of General Upendra Dwivedi to Smritivan reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring the past while preparing for the future, and underscored the enduring bond between the armed forces, veterans, and the community.
