LUCKNOW, 28 JULY 2025
As part of Kargil Vijay Diwas2025 celebrations, the Veteran Outreach Bike Rally, organised by Headquarters Central Command of Indian Army, commenced from Smritika War Memorial, Lucknow and concluded on 26 July 2025 in a vibrant Flag-In Ceremony presided over by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command.
Traversing through the districts of Barabanki, Sitapur, Hardoi, and Raebareli, the rally engaged with over 1,700 Veterans, Veer Naris and Dependents, honouring their service and sacrifices while proactively addressing their welfare concerns. Majority of the issues raised were resolved on the spot by dedicated grievance redressal cells established at each location. This initiative reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to veteran care, outreach, and welfare.
The outreach efforts began at 201 CEDU, Barabanki Military Station, where a gathering of 127 attendees, including Kargil War Veterans, Veer Naris, Ex-Servicemen and Next of Kin, participated in an interactive session. The event was graced by Col Neha Bhatnagar, VSM, Station Commander and Col Chandan Nath Goswami (Retd), Officer-in-Charge, Zila Sainik Kalyan and Punarwas Karyalaya.
On 23 July, the rally team reached Sitapur and was received by Shri Abhishek Anand, District Magistrate & Collector, and Commander Rajeev Pathak (Retd), Officer-in-Charge, Zila Sainik Kalyan. The team, led by Major Rohit Sethi, along with 10 bikers from 7th Battalion, The Kumaon Regiment, included representatives from Record Offices, SPARSH and medical services. They conducted a grievance redressal drive to resolve pension and SPARSH-related issues of the veterans and their families.
The momentum continued in Raebareli on 25 July 2025, where a comprehensive outreach programme was held at Collectorate Sabhagar. The Chief Guest, Smt Harshita Mathur, District Magistrate, interacted with the veterans and felicitated them. Other dignitaries included Capt (Indian Navy) Atulya Dayal (Retd), OIC Zila Sainik Kalyan, Col Vikram Aditya Singh Pal, CO 66 UP Bn NCC, Shri Shiddarth, ADM and Shri Siddarth Sena, Addl SP. A total of 114 attendees participated in Raebareli.
The Grievance Redressal Cell at every venue served as a one-stop facilitation centre, providing veterans and their families with direct access to solutions on pension, SPARSH migration, and medical concerns. Each outreach was also marked by felicitation of Kargil War Veterans, War Widows and Veer Naris, reinforcing the Army’s respect and continued support for its extended family.
The initiative not only strengthened bonds between the armed forces and the veteran community but also reaffirmed the Indian Army’s guiding ethos: “Once a Soldier, always a Soldier”, a promise of respect, recognition and responsibility towards those who served with pride. Together, we honour our freedom and our heroes.
SHANTANU/ DWARIKA/120/2025
