ASSAM RIFLES ORGANIZES MEGA EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY IN DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand – February 15, 2025: In a heartfelt tribute to the brave veterans of Uttarakhand, the Assam Rifles organized a mega Ex- Servicemen Rally under the aegis of the Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles at JP Plaza, Kargi Chowk, Dehradun. The rally, themed Serving Those Who Served Us, witnessed the participation of over 900 ex- servicemen, including Gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents from the five ARESA centers located at Khatima, Devasthal, Bageshwar, Gairsain and Dehradun.

The event aimed to honour the invaluable contributions of the veterans, strengthen bonds with them, and address their concerns. The Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles.

In his address, the Hon’ble Governor commended the unwavering dedication of the veterans and serving soldiers from Uttarakhand, who have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security and prosperity. He praised the Assam Rifles for organizing such a significant rally and reaffirmed the commitment to supporting ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their families.

The Director General of Assam Rifles highlighted the various beneficiary schemes available to veterans, including the extension of Ex- Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Bharat to Assam Rifles retirees. He also emphasized the efforts to revitalize the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association (ARESA) and introduced the monthly Samman Samaroh, a ceremony to honour retiring pensioners.

The rally served as a platform to inform veterans about key initiatives, such as the granting of Ex-CAPF status to Assam Rifles retirees, reservations in educational institutes and hostels, and the outreach programs initiated by ARESA to address grievances across the country.

A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour Veer Naris, Gallantry awardees, and other distinguished ex-servicemen. Additionally, a grievance redressal cell was set up to register and resolve issues on the spot. To further assist the veterans, essential aids such as wheelchairs, spectacles, walking sticks, and hearing aids were distributed at the venue.
https://youtu.be/HOczeLv-RbI?si=Me0K7mwgDEQDpvv7

The event also featured a medical camp and help desks from leading banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bank of Baroda (BoB), to facilitate seamless access to services. The rally concluded with a communal lunch, where the ex-servicemen expressed their gratitude to the Assam Rifles for organizing the event and reaffirming their commitment to their welfare.

The Assam Rifles remains dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of its veterans and ensuring their well-being through such initiatives, embodying the spirit of Serving Those Who Served Us.