The Rising Star Corps has extended heartfelt congratulations to Colonel Pankaj Bhojwani of Sabre Brigade for securing the Gold Medal in the prestigious Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gold Medal Essay Competition.

This esteemed competition is held annually to foster strategic thought, intellectual engagement, and military insight among all ranks of the Indian Army. Col Bhojwani’s achievement reflects not only his depth of knowledge and analytical ability but also the culture of professional excellence nurtured within Sabre Brigade.

His essay, selected from a wide pool of submissions, contributed valuable perspectives on contemporary military challenges, aligning with the Indian Army’s commitment to encouraging original thought and strategic foresight within the ranks.

The Rising Star Corps proudly celebrates this milestone, reaffirming its support for initiatives that promote thought leadership, operational awareness, and continuous learning across the force.

On the solemn occasion of the 261st Raising Day of the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Lt Gen Shivinder Singh, Commandant, AMC Centre & College, Officer-in-Charge Records, and Colonel Commandant of AMC, paid homage to the Bravehearts at ‘Shraddhanjali’, the revered AMC War Memorial. The tribute served as a reminder of the selfless service and supreme sacrifice made by medical personnel in the line of duty.

The General Officer also reviewed an impressive Guard of Honour, showcasing the discipline and dedication of the Corps.

As part of the day’s commemorative events, a special Sainik Sammelan was held, during which Lt Gen Shivinder Singh addressed the gathering of officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Other Ranks (OR). He urged all ranks to uphold the motto of the AMC – “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (Let all be free from disease) and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to providing exemplary healthcare support to the Armed Forces.

The Commandant called upon all personnel to continue striving for professional excellence, maintain high standards of operational preparedness, and remain ever-dedicated to their primary mission of safeguarding the health and well-being of soldiers, veterans, and their families.

The 261st Raising Day celebrations reflected the Corps’ rich legacy, evolving capabilities, and unwavering resolve to serve the nation with compassion, courage, and commitment.

On the sidelines of the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), felicitated the winners of the prestigious COAS Gold Medal Essay Competition, an initiative aimed at igniting minds and fostering intellectual engagement across all ranks of the Indian Army.

Held annually, the COAS Gold Medal Essay Competition provides a platform for officers and soldiers to articulate their views on contemporary military and strategic issues, offering valuable insights into challenges and opportunities facing the Indian Army. The competition not only encourages critical thinking and thought leadership but also helps in capturing ground-level perspectives that contribute to policy and doctrinal evolution.

This year’s winners were commended by the COAS for their depth of analysis, originality, and relevance, with essays covering a broad spectrum of subjects including national security, hybrid warfare, technology in modern combat, leadership, and joint force integration.

General Upendra Dwivedi congratulated the awardees and emphasized the importance of intellectual growth as a core component of military leadership, encouraging all ranks to continue contributing to the Army’s evolving body of thought.

The recognition stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s continued efforts in cultivating a culture of knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence among its personnel.

The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today held a meaningful interaction with Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), along with Regional Presidents of AWWA, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During the interaction, the Hon’ble President was briefed on the wide-ranging welfare initiatives undertaken by AWWA for the benefit of Veer Naris, widows, veterans, children with special needs (CwSN), and the extended families of serving personnel. The focus on enhancing outreach to women residing and working in remote and far-flung areas of the country was particularly highlighted, reaffirming AWWA’s commitment to inclusive and accessible welfare.

The Regional Presidents of AWWA presented insights into novel and contemporary initiatives being implemented across the country by various Regional and Zonal AWWA units, with a strong emphasis on women’s skill development, education, financial empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

The Hon’ble President appreciated AWWA’s role as a pillar of strength and support for the families of the Armed Forces and acknowledged its dedicated efforts to foster resilience and self-reliance among dependents of soldiers, veterans, and the next of kin.

The interaction served as a reaffirmation of AWWA’s enduring mission to uplift, empower, and care for the extended Army fraternity, ensuring that their welfare remains a priority at every level.

In a proud moment for the Armed Forces Medical Services, Command Hospital, Chandimandir has been conferred the Runners-Up Raksha Mantri Award for Best Tertiary Care Hospital by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.

This prestigious recognition reaffirms the hospital’s status as one of the leading healthcare institutions within the armed forces and the wider region.

The award is a testament to the hospital’s excellence in patient care, advanced medical services, research, and education, reflecting the tireless efforts of its medical, nursing, and support staff.

Command Hospital, Chandimandir continues to play a pivotal role in delivering world-class tertiary care to serving personnel, veterans, and their families, while also supporting critical operational and emergency medical requirements.

This recognition underscores the commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services to uphold the highest standards of medical excellence under the motto We Care.

Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, visited a formation in Manipur on Thursday to evaluate their operational preparedness amid the region’s ongoing challenges. The visit comes at a critical time as Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic conflict that has claimed over 200 lives since May 2023.

During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar witnessed the integration of new-generation equipment and innovations aimed at enhancing the combat effectiveness of the troops. The Indian Army has been focusing on modernizing its arsenal.

The Spear Corps, the largest formation in the Indian Army, is tasked with maintaining security across much of the northeastern region, including Manipur. Historically, the Corps has played a pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations, such as those against the Naga insurgency, and in defending India’s borders during the 1962 Battle of Walong against China. Lt Gen Pendharkar, who assumed command in August 2024, brings extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations from his previous postings in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control.

Addressing the troops, the Corps Commander commended their professionalism, dedication, and high morale. He emphasized their readiness to tackle future challenges, particularly in the context of the volatile situation in Manipur. “The troops have demonstrated exceptional commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. Their preparedness to meet any challenge is commendable,” Lt Gen Pendharkar stated, as per an official release from the Spear Corps.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s focus on strengthening its operational capabilities in the Northeast, a region of strategic importance, while addressing the complexities of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The Spear Corps continues to play a crucial role in ensuring stability and security in the region, supported by cutting-edge technology and the unwavering spirit of its soldiers.

The event was widely shared on social media, with the Spear Corps’ official handle posting images of the visit, including a group photo of the formation with a banner reading “Fight Clever, Fight to Win,” and scenes of Lt Gen Pendharkar inspecting equipment and addressing the troops. The post garnered positive responses from netizens, with many expressing pride in the Indian Army’s dedication and bravery.