Indian Army Team One One Six inspires Sabarkantha

Undertook a major outreach programme included interaction and felicitation of Veer Naris, Next of Kin and Ex-servicemen

Year 2019 being declared by Indian Army as the Year of NOK (Next of Kin) and as a part of it the Gunners of Konark Corps of Dharangadhra undertook a major Outreach Programme. The spectrum of the ‘Outreach Programme’ included interaction and felicitation of Veer Naris, Next of Kin and Ex-servicemen of the Sabarkantha area. Konark Gunners of Dharangadhra also motivated youth of the area to join the Indian Army under ‘Know Your Army’ drive.

The spectacular event was organised by “Team One One Six” alongwith Veer Naris, Next of Kin, veterans and youth of Sabarkantha area with varied events taking place over a period of two days from 23 December to 24 December 2019. 

The yeoman service provided by Konark Gunners during the past flood relief programmes facilitated the smooth conduct of the event.

Veer Naris and NOKs were felicitated by Colonel Himanshu Mitra, Commanding Officer, One One Six.  He also explained the various welfare schemes for Ex-Servicemen while interacting with them.  A total of two disabled soldiers, three NOKs and three war widows participated in the event. 

Major Handeep Raj Puri conducted the join Indian Army drive for the youth of area wherein the youth were explained various schemes of joining ‘Indian Army’ through short pep talks, informative pamphlet and handouts.  The response of youth of area was heartening. A total of seven hundred students from various Government and private schools and colleges took part in ‘Know Your Army Campaign’.

An informal interaction with war widows, NOKs and Ex-servicemen was also organised as part of the culmination of the complete ‘Outreach Programme’.  This facilitated the team ‘Double One Six’ in knowing the hardships faced by them and these were recorded for further resolution of the issues.

The officials of civil administration also attended the event and showed their commitment towards speedy settling of grievance of the war widows, NOKs and Ex-servicemen. Wing Commander Puneet Chadha, Defence PRO, Gujarat region said that such programmes bring out the ethos of Indian Army wherein the camaraderie and care of their soldiers is of utmost priority.

The complete ‘Outreach Programme’ was unique in its kind where various facets of the Army came to fore.