Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, on his visit to Pithoragarh, said that Operation Sindoor 1.0 has not ended, but only paused temporarily, and warned that “Operation Sindoor 2.0 could happen anytime.” He affirmed that the Indian Army remains fully prepared to respond decisively whenever required.
The Army Chief, who held detailed discussions with officers at the Army Brigade Headquarters, later attended a ceremony at the Pithoragarh football ground, where he honoured soldiers and ex-servicemen for their exemplary service. He also interacted with troops and veterans, listening to their concerns and addressing key welfare issues.
‘Army Always at the Forefront of Nation-Building’
General Dwivedi underscored the Army’s role in nation-building and humanitarian assistance, stating that the force stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people during natural disasters and emergencies. He cited the rescue operations in Tharali (Uttarakhand) and the Amarnath cloudburst relief efforts as examples of the Army’s steadfast commitment beyond combat duties.
‘Be the Kind of Leader Everyone Can Follow’
Calling upon soldiers to lead by example, General Dwivedi emphasised the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and technical proficiency. He urged every soldier to pursue activities aligned with their strengths — from fitness and adventure to gaming and innovation — to remain adaptable and motivated.
He also stressed the principle of equality in training, noting that the physical tests for male and female soldiers are now the same, and praised the growing presence of women in the Army. “Women soldiers embody the spirit of Goddess Kali — fierce, powerful, and compassionate. Their inner strength will forge them into exceptional leaders,” the Army Chief remarked, earning loud applause from the ranks.
‘Every Veteran’s Issue Will Be Addressed’
Addressing the concerns of veterans, General Dwivedi announced the establishment of the 50th ‘Naman Station’ — a one-stop welfare facility for ex-servicemen. He assured that pension, loan, and healthcare issues are being systematically resolved, and revealed that a telemedicine facility has been launched to provide accessible medical consultations to veterans nationwide.
He added that representatives from central, state, and district soldier boards were recently called to Delhi to present their concerns directly to Army Headquarters, ensuring faster redressal and policy coordination.
Upcoming Visit to Adi Kailash
General Dwivedi is scheduled to visit Jyolingkang (Adi Kailash), near the India-China border, on Sunday. He will meet troops deployed in high-altitude forward posts, extend Diwali greetings, and boost their morale before departing for Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, via Nainisaini Airport.
The Army Chief’s visit to Pithoragarh not only highlighted the Army’s operational preparedness and commitment to the nation, but also reflected his vision of a modern, inclusive, and people-centric Indian Army — ready for every challenge, from the battlefield to nation-building.
