On the 2^nd day of his visit to Pune, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) visited the Headquarters Southern Command, where he reviewed the operational preparedness of the Command and ongoing preparations for the Army Day Parade 2025 which is scheduled to be conducted in Pune for the first time on 15^th January 2025.

During the visit, the COAS felicitated two veterans with the Veteran Achievers Award for their exceptional post-retirement contributions. Details of both the veteran achievers are as given below: -

• Colonel Shashikant G Dalvi (Retired): Colonel Shashikant G Dalvi (Retired), commissioned into 21 RAJPUT and later transferred to the Corps of EME in 1972, has dedicated his post-retirement life to water conservation and environmental sustainability. A pioneer in Rainwater Harvesting (RWH), he designed Pune’s first roof top RWH project in 2003, making a housing society tanker-free. Through his organisation PARJANYA, he has implemented over 650 RWH projects, reducing annual Carbon dioxide emissions by 9,360 tonnes and helping villages and urban areas achieve water self-sufficiency. Actively involved with schools, communities and industries, he has transformed villages, conducted awareness campaigns and addressed policymakers on sustainable water solutions, earning widespread recognition for his impactful work. In the year 2017 and 2019 he was also invited by Ministry of Urban Development to address Members of Parliament on RWH in metropolitan cities and on Kaun Banega Crorepati show to speak on RWH respectively.
• Subedar Clerk (Staff Duties) Suneeth S:    Subedar Clerk (Staff Duties) Suneeth S from Army Service Corps was enrolled into the Indian Army on 28^th August 1990. He retired on 31^st August 2020 after an illustrious 30-year career in the Indian Army. Post retirement he has been instrumental in advancing the welfare of veterans, veer naris and widows through his close association with the Army Veterans Node, Southern Command. He has provided invaluable assistance with SPARSH documentation, facilitated Digital and Manual Life Certificates for bedridden beneficiaries and supported many in dire need. Additionally, he has also played a key role in organising numerous Ex-servicemen rallies across various districts to enable direct interaction with the veterans and their families, while also facilitating job opportunities for veer naris and widows through the Army Welfare Placement organisation, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the armed forces community.

The COAS also witnessed the Southern Star Idea Innovation Display. The event showcased a dynamic blend of innovations, successful Internal Research and Development (IR&D) projects, and collaborations with the industry. This display served as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements, highlighting the Indian Army’s commitment to modernising and enhancing its operational capabilities through innovation and collaboration with the private sector.

The COAS expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the innovators, researchers and industry partners involved in the projects. He commended the forward-thinking approach to developing solutions that address contemporary military challenges and emphasised the critical role that innovations play in maintaining the Army’s strategic edge. The COAS highlighted that such initiatives are vital for sustaining the Army's operational readiness, ensuring it remains agile and equipped to meet future challenges in an ever-evolving security landscape.

Later in the day, the COAS delivered a keynote address during General BC Joshi memorial lecture organised by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). This annual event pays tribute to the memory and legacy of late General BC Joshi, Ex COAS, a distinguished leader who made significant contributions to both the Indian Army and the field of higher education.

The event was attended physically by academic scholars, military officials, students, faculties and distinguished guests, and streamed live to all students of the university.

General Dwivedi, in his talk on the topic “Role and Contribution of Indian Army in Securing India’s Growth Story,” highlighted the pivotal role of the Indian Army in not only safeguarding the nation's borders but also contributing to national development, security and strategic growth. Excerpts from the COAS talk are as given below: -

• Security as an Enabler of Growth: The COAS emphasised that security is a vital enabler of sustainable growth, not an obstacle, and that the Indian Army is a key provider of security for a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India by 2047.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): The COAS mentioned that the NDMA was conceptualised under the aegis of General NC Vij who had first-hand experience of Bhuj Earthquake in the Year 2001. The Indian Army has contributed significantly to disaster relief efforts, including creating 17 HADR bricks for emergency response across India.
• Border Area Tourism: The COAS highlighted the promotion of border tourism in 48 identified areas and said that the Army has the potential to double tourist numbers in the next five years. The Army also supports adventure activities and tourism, including initiatives like the Trans-Himalayan trek and opening battlefields like Kargil and Siachen Glacier to tourists.
• Infrastructure Development: The Indian Army contributes to national infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and telecommunications, aligned with national projects like PM Gati Shakti. In the past five years, 4,400 km of roads and 19 km of bridges have been constructed, with more projects planned, including vital roads in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Smart Borders and Connectivity: The Indian Army facilitates improved communication in remote areas by providing mobile connectivity to villages along the borders and using green energy for power in the Himalayas.
• Economic Development and Employment: The Indian Army creates economic opportunities through local businesses and its humanitarian efforts. Its Operation Sadbhavana fosters trust between the military and local communities, with an outlay of Rs 150 Crores for Northern Border initiatives.
• Socio-Cultural Contributions: The Indian Army promotes national integration and unity through its apolitical, areligious stance, fostering camaraderie. It supports educational projects, traditional sports, and socio-economic initiatives like creating museums and promoting local cultures.
• Education, Health, and Environment: The Indian Army runs educational institutions, including 430 Army Public Schools/ Army Pre Primary Schools and facilitates management of Sainik Schools besides being involved in healthcare initiatives, such as providing medical support in remote areas. It also advocates for environmental conservation through afforestation and water body rejuvenation projects.
• Mission Olympics 2036: The Indian Army is preparing for the 2036 Olympics by developing a talent pool through sports programs and organising events like the Durand Cup and Kashmir Premier League.
• Environmental Sustainability: The Indian Army is committed to ecological sustainability, planting millions of saplings, rejuvenating water bodies, and contributing to national initiatives like the Clean Ganga Mission.
• Economic Contributions: The Indian Army plays a significant role in India’s self-reliance, with 85% of its capital expenditure on 'Made in India' defence hardware. It is also driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, contributing significantly to local economies, such as in Ladakh.
• Technological Advancements: The Indian Army is aligned with national technological missions and promotes indigenous defence technology development, with numerous projects in areas like cyber, communication, and space. It supports startups and MSMEs under various initiatives.
• Defence Diplomacy: The COAS emphasised the role of Indian Army in enhancing India’s global strategic influence, participating in UN peacekeeping missions, and expanding its defence diplomacy efforts through defence wings worldwide. The Army’s contribution to international peacekeeping and training foreign personnel strengthens India’s global alliances.

The event reflected a strong bond between the university and the armed forces, an enduring partnership that General BC Joshi helped nurture. General Joshi, during his tenure as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, was a stalwart of the university community. His legacy includes delivering the convocation address at SPPU and laying the foundation stone for the university's iconic "Gateway of Knowledge," which was later renamed as the “General BC Joshi Dwar” in his honour following his untimely demise on 18^th November 1994.

In addition to his military service, General BC Joshi’s foresight in higher education led to the establishment of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair in Policy Studies at the university. He also advocated for strengthening the relationship between the university and the armed forces, particularly in the areas of national security, policy analysis, and strategic studies.

General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture series, instituted jointly by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies and Headquarters Southern Command in 1995, was designed to recognise and perpetuate his contributions to national security and education. The series, which has been held annually ever since, serves as a platform for thought leaders and key figures in defence and strategic studies to engage in critical dialogue. In 2005, the Chief of Staff Committee resolved that the lecture would be delivered by one of the three Service Chiefs, rotating annually.

Since then, the lecture series, has seen prominent speakers from all services of the armed forces, continuously fostering greater understanding of India’s strategic priorities and the role of the military in achieving the nation’s objectives.

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