Almora: A district-level meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Purva Sainik Seva Parishad was held at Sunita Sun City on Mall Road, Almora, where extensive discussions were held on organizational expansion, the social role of ex-servicemen, support for martyr families, youth mentorship, and active participation in nation-building activities.
The meeting was attended by retired military personnel, social workers, and volunteers from different parts of the district. Retired Major General Gulab Singh Rawat was the Chief Guest, while Dr. Shailendra, Prant Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Uttarakhand, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Rawat said that a soldier never truly retires from service. While military duties may conclude, the commitment to the nation and society continues throughout life. He described soldiers and social volunteers as two complementary forces dedicated to national service and public welfare.
He emphasized the growing need for family awareness and communication in modern society. According to him, weakening family bonds and declining interaction between parents and children have created new social challenges. He urged ex-servicemen to actively contribute toward strengthening social values and family relationships.
Referring to the upcoming Kargil Vijay Diwas, Rawat called upon former soldiers to maintain regular contact with martyr families and serving soldiers’ families. He said honoring the sacrifices of martyrs and supporting their families should be considered a moral responsibility of every ex-serviceman.
The retired officer also stressed the importance of youth development, skill enhancement, and self-employment. He noted that ex-servicemen possess valuable experience and leadership qualities that can help guide younger generations toward productive and responsible citizenship.
In his address, Dr. Shailendra stated that nation-building is not the responsibility of the government or armed forces alone but of every conscious citizen. He highlighted the importance of social harmony, national unity, and cultural awareness in strengthening the country.
He urged society to remain vigilant against divisive and anti-national tendencies and emphasized the need for all communities to work together for national progress and social cohesion.
The meeting also reviewed organizational expansion plans, membership drives, training programs, and future activities. Participants resolved to strengthen outreach efforts and maintain regular engagement with ex-servicemen, martyr families, and youth across the district.
Among those present were District President Keshav Dutt Pandey, Vice President Mahendra Singh Manral, Patron P.G. Goswami, Treasurer Vinod Giri, City President Trilok Singh, along with several ex-servicemen and social activists. RSS representatives including Taradatt, Jagdish, Virendra, Sanjay, Rajendra, Bharat, and Kamal also attended the meeting.
The program concluded with a collective pledge to continue contributing actively toward social welfare, national unity, and the spirit of “Nation First.”
