Bhuj, February 9: Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, conducted a multi-dimensional visit to Gujarat this week. The purpose of this visit was to assess operational readiness in critical border sectors and to strengthen the Army’s engagement with border communities and military families.
Lieutenant General Seth thoroughly reviewed operational preparations in the Creek and Kutch sectors, where the Indian Army has significant strategic responsibilities. He inspected the Gujarat Defense Exercise, designed to test the rapid response system, multi-agency coordination, and adaptability in challenging terrains. This exercise confirmed the Southern Command’s capability to safeguard national interests across various operational areas.
At the Bhuj Military Station, the Army Commander inaugurated a large surgical eye camp outreach program, organized in collaboration with specialist ophthalmic teams from the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi. Over 2,500 patients from more than 120 remote villages were screened at this camp, resulting in the restoration of vision for over 200 beneficiaries through advanced diagnostic procedures and surgeries. This initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to providing healthcare services in underprivileged and remote areas.
Experts from other military medical units also contributed to reaching out to distant communities. In Ahmedabad, Lieutenant General Seth and Komal Seth, the Regional President of the Southern Command Army Women Welfare Association, interacted with Veer Naris and Veer Matas, appreciating their courage and sacrifices while facilitating support measures for the families of martyrs.
Additionally, the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony held on February 6 and 7 in Ahmedabad honored acts of valor and distinguished service across the Army. During the ceremony, Lieutenant General Seth awarded 34 personnel and presented the “GOC-in-C, Southern Command Unit Commendation” to 33 units for operational excellence and professional achievement.
The event included a formal guard of honor and showcased weapons and equipment in line with the Indian Army’s ongoing modernization efforts under the ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiatives. The visit concluded with a ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ cultural evening, attended by Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This cultural night featured a blend of martial and artistic expressions, including khadi-based fashion presentations by NIFT students, classical Bharatanatyam performances, and martial displays by soldiers showcasing Jhankh Pathak, Kalaripayattu, and Army martial arts routines.
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S.A.K./D.S.C.
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