In a significant step towards strengthening ties between the Indian Army and the state of Andhra Pradesh, Major General Ajay Misra, the recently appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA), met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on April 15, 2025, at the state capital, Amravati. The meeting focused on the Army’s role in state and nation-building, addressing key areas such as disaster relief, ex-servicemen (ESM) welfare, defence technology, and industry collaboration.

Major General Ajay Misra, who assumed the role of GOC TASA on December 1, 2024, emphasized the need for a stronger Army presence in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the new capital, Amravati. A key highlight of the discussions was the proposal for a War Memorial in Amravati, an ambitious project first envisioned in 2018. The memorial, intended to be the world’s largest of its kind, will feature a 250 ft statue of an Indian Army soldier and a 200 ft bronze ring encircling a massive Buddha statue, aiming to boost tourism while honoring the armed forces.

The meeting also covered several practical measures to enhance collaboration. These included the establishment of an Army Tech Cell to foster defence innovation and industry partnerships, the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for better civil-police-Army coordination, and addressing land matters for Army initiatives. Additionally, employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and protocol issues were discussed, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting veterans.

Chief Minister Naidu praised the disciplined lifestyle of the armed forces and assured support for greater Army engagement in Amravati’s development. He also committed to facilitating darshan for Army personnel at prominent religious sites like Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Srisailam, highlighting a blend of operational and cultural synergy between the state and the military.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to integrate defence initiatives with state development, aligning with broader national goals of innovation and collaboration in the defence sector. The discussions underscored the state’s vision to become a hub for defence technology and a key player in nation-building, while honoring the contributions of the Indian Army.

In a heartfelt ceremony held in Nagpur, the Southern Command of the Indian Army celebrated the remarkable contributions of its veterans by presenting the prestigious “Veteran Achievers Award.” Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, personally felicitated three retired servicemen for their exemplary efforts in transforming communities and uplifting lives after their military service.

The event, themed “Honouring Our Veterans,” highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to recognizing the continued dedication of its ex-servicemen in nation-building. The backdrop of the ceremony proudly displayed the motto, with the recipients standing as shining examples of service beyond the battlefield.

Lt Col Vikram Mehta (Retd): A Catalyst for Development in Gadchiroli
Lt Col Vikram Mehta (Retd) was honored for his transformative work in Gadchiroli, a region once plagued by Naxal insurgency. Leading a two-member team, Mehta played a pivotal role in connecting with the local tribal population, paving the way for the revival of the Surjagarh Iron Ore Mines. His efforts, in collaboration with Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, also led to the establishment of a DRI Steel Plant in Konsari, Gadchiroli, with a capacity of 72,000 MTPA. This initiative has created thousands of jobs, fostering economic growth and development in an area that had long been marginalized. Lloyds Metals is further planning a green steel plant and an 8 Mtpa pellet plant, signaling a brighter future for the region.

Subedar Major Rishi Wanjari (Retd): A Beacon of Compassion
Subedar Major Rishi Wanjari (Retd), an instructor at Gondwana Sainik School in Gadchiroli, was recognized for his selfless humanitarian efforts. Using his personal funds, Wanjari established an eight-bed shelter for the mentally ill and elderly, providing free food, accommodation, and care. Since 2020, his initiative has supported ten individuals, with one person fully recovering and securing employment. Wanjari’s dedication to bearing all expenses himself has made him a pillar of hope for the most vulnerable in his community.

Naik Neelkanth Vyas (Retd): Empowering Veterans and Families
Naik Neelkanth Vyas (Retd) was awarded for his tireless work in supporting the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. Associated with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Vyas has facilitated self-employment opportunities for 40 ex-servicemen and 30 women. Additionally, he provides free assistance with Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) welfare schemes, SPARSH documentation, pension issues, and income tax return filings. Vyas has also been instrumental in helping veteran entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to succeed.

The ceremony, attended by senior military officials, underscored the Indian Army’s pride in its veterans’ continued service to society. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth lauded the awardees for their “commendable contributions,” emphasizing the importance of their work in inspiring others. The event also featured a group photograph of the awardees alongside other dignitaries, seated in front of the vibrant “Veteran Achievers Award” backdrop, symbolizing unity and honor.

This initiative by the Southern Command reflects the Indian Army’s broader mission to support its veterans through recognition and welfare programs, ensuring their legacy of service continues to impact the nation positively.

The Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington hosted the graduation ceremony for its 80th Staff Course, where Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, the Commandant of DSSC, delivered an inspiring closing address. The event marked the successful completion of the course for 478 officers, including 38 international officers representing 26 friendly foreign countries, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering global military collaboration.

In his address, Lt Gen Vats urged the graduating officers to continue their pursuit of knowledge and to lead as agents of change within the Armed Forces. He emphasized the importance of promoting a joint culture and ethos, values deeply ingrained during their training at DSSC.

The ceremony took place in a grand auditorium adorned with the flags of various nations, symbolizing the international camaraderie fostered through the program. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several others were represented, underscoring the global reach of the course.

The 80th Staff Course, which commenced in June 2024, is part of DSSC’s long-standing tradition of training mid-level officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside selected officers from paramilitary forces, civil services, and international militaries.

The institution, affiliated with Madras University for an M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies, has been a cornerstone of military education in India since its establishment in 1948. It has also been recognized as a research center for MPhil and PhD degrees since 1990.

Lt Gen Virendra Vats, a highly decorated officer, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Commandant. Commissioned into 19 KUMAON on December 17, 1988, he has commanded units in high-stakes operations, including Operation RHINO in Assam and along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

His distinguished service has earned him the Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal (Distinguished), and Vishisht Seva Medal, along with commendations from the Chief of the Army Staff and the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

The graduation ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding officers, with Lt Gen Vats personally handing over certificates and honors. The event, attended by a large audience of military personnel, families, and dignitaries, reflected DSSC’s pivotal role in shaping the future leadership of the Indian Armed Forces and strengthening ties with allied nations.

Just two days prior, on April 10, 2025, the convocation ceremony had been graced by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who delivered a keynote address, further emphasizing the government’s focus on modernizing the armed forces while honoring their legacy.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, conducted a visit to the Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area (UM&G Sub Area) in Nagpur. During his visit, Lt Gen Seth was briefed on the formation’s critical operational roles, its contributions to humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and the welfare initiatives undertaken for ex-servicemen in the region.

The visit included a tour of the historic Sitabuldi Fort, where the UM&G Sub Area is headquartered. Sitabuldi Fort, a significant landmark in Nagpur, has been under the management of the UM&G Sub Area since 2019, following its relocation from Mumbai. The fort, a site of the notable Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, symbolizes the region’s military heritage.

Lt Gen Seth interacted with officers during his visit, gaining insights into the formation’s activities and challenges. He expressed appreciation for the commendable work carried out by the UM&G Sub Area, commending their dedication to maintaining high standards of professionalism. He also urged all ranks to continue upholding operational readiness, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the Southern Command, which is the largest command of the Indian Army.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth assumed command of the Southern Command on July 1, 2024, succeeding Lt Gen AK Singh. An armored corps officer, he previously served as the Army Commander of the Jaipur-based South Western Command. His visit to Nagpur underscores the Indian Army’s focus on strengthening operational capabilities and supporting its veteran community across the region.

Nagpur, a strategic hub in Central India, hosts significant military infrastructure, including the Maintenance Command of the Indian Air Force and the UM&G Sub Area, reinforcing its importance in the nation’s defense framework.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the Guards Regimental Centre in Kamptee to evaluate its ongoing training initiatives. During the visit, he was briefed by the Commandant on key programs, including the integration of state-of-the-art simulator-based training facilities that leverage virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for small team tactical training.

The Guards Regimental Centre, a cornerstone of the Brigade of the Guards, has a distinguished history, earning 10 post-independence Battle Honours and notable gallantry awards, including two Param Vir Chakras. The centre, established in 1950 and relocated to Kamptee in 1976, is known for its rigorous training of soldiers from across India, reflecting its unique “all India, all class” ethos as the first such infantry unit in the Indian Army.

Lt Gen Seth, who assumed command of the Southern Command on July 1, 2024, also reviewed the centre’s efforts to align with the Indian Army’s broader goal of transforming into a modern, agile, and adaptive force. The adoption of VR and AR technologies mirrors a growing trend in the Indo-Pacific region, where militaries like India, South Korea, and Singapore have reported a 30-40% reduction in training costs through simulation-based methods, according to a 2020 Indo-Pacific Defense Forum report.

During the visit, Lt Gen Seth felicitated outstanding achievers with on-the-spot Commendation Cards, recognizing their excellence and encouraging all ranks to maintain the centre’s high standards of training. The event underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization, indigenization, and technological advancement, as highlighted by recent statements from Army leadership on the pivotal role of technology in military transformation. The Southern Command continues to lead efforts in preparing a future-ready force capable of addressing evolving security challenges.