LUDHIANA: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Western Command has issued a message to the youth of Punjab: reject drugs and embrace lives of discipline, physical fitness, and national service.Addressing the Mega Punjab State Ex-Servicemen Rally at the Dholewal Military Complex on Sunday, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh saluted the state’s martial tradition and reaffirmed the military’s lifelong commitment to its retired personnel, Veer Naris (wives of the fallen soldiers), and their families.“Western Command shares an inseparable bond with Punjab and its people,” Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh said, describing veterans as custodians of heritage, conscience keepers of society, and vital partners in nation-building.He saistheir discipline continues to guide the country long after retirement. He also pledged accessible welfare services, prompt grievance resolution, and ongoing care for gold-star families.Organised by the Vajra Corps under the aegis of Western Command, the rally – themed Sampark, Sanjeevani, Rojgar aur Sahuliyat (Contact, Healthcare, Employment, and Facilitation) – brought together thousands of veterans to provide integrated support services under one roof.The defence public relations officer issued a media release later in the day to state that the event had featured three main facilitation hubs: a one-stop centre, a medical camp, and a career transitions wing.Soldiers fightingdisability get e-scootersDuing the event, the Lt Gen felicitated distinguished veterans and presented modified electric scooters to former soldiers living with disabilities.Among the recipients was Palwinder Singh, 47, a former paratrooper from Ladian Kalan village, Ludhiana, who lost his left hand and left eye during an encounter with terrorists in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, in 2003.“It will be easy for me to move around on the scooter and I can drive it with a single hand,” Palwinder Singh said, describing the initiative as commendable.Another recipient, retired Naik Jasvir Singh, 74, of Raikot, who lost his right leg in a 2016 accident, said the Army’s support network remains steadfast.“Earlier the force had given me a wheelchair with a battery, and now I got an electric vehicle (EV) scooter,” he said. “The help is just a phone call away.”The event also featured cultural performances showcasing Punjab’s heritage, with local troupes performing traditional Giddha and Bhangra dances for veterans and visiting dignitaries.
