core sector communique

SAPTA SHAKTI COMMAND : FOREVER VICTORIOUS

The South Western Command, the seventh and the youngest command of the Indian Army becomes seven years old on 15 April 2012. Christened the Sapta Shakti - the Seventh Star - it is determined to be "Forever Victorious". South Western Command was carved out of the erstwhile Western Command based on experiences gained during Operation Vijay and Operation Parakram. It was in response to the requirement of making the Commands on the Western Front more compact, role based and manageable, thereby optimizing our strength while taking due care of our vulnerability.

Led by Lt Gen Gyan Bhushan, the present Army Commander, who took over on 01 November 2011, Sapta Shakti Command has already set new standards in environmental protection, proliferation of medicare, education, welfare of veterans and Veer Naris and empowerment projects apart from its primary role of operational preparedness. In recent battle exercises including those with foreign armies, the young Command and its formations have proved their prowess. The recently concluded exercise Yudh Abhyas, which was held in Mahajan Ranges (Rajasthan) enhanced Indo US cooperation for peace keeping operation under the mandate of United Nations (UN).

The operational responsibility of Sapta Shakti Command which encompasses well developed and high value territory demands preparedness of a very high order. Enhancement of its combat potential is a continuous process. Today Indian Army is facing multiple challenges on myriad front ranging from a total war under nuclear overhang to sub conventional threats. The Army thus needs to transform itself into a modern, operationally ready force which can function in a synergized joint service environment across the entire spectrum of conflict. Today, operations in South Western Command are pivotal for the Western Front, due to the location of the area of responsibility.

The geographical area of Sapta Shakti Command extends over Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, covering more than 1.5 lakh square kilometers. These three states are the nursery, which provides maximum officers and men to the Indian Army. The Command in addition to guarding the frontier provides assistance to the civil administration in these three states as also parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Since raising, the Command's formations have come to the aid of the civil administration for flood relief, man made calamities, disaster relief and maintenance of law and order, during unrest and agitation.

The area of responsibility of Sapta Shakti Command covers the states which have maximum density of serving soldiers and veterans. As well being of veterans will encourage younger generations to volunteer for the Indian Army, a number of measures have been initiated by the Central Government and the Indian Army towards the same. These include Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), empowerment of state and district soldiers boards for a proactive interface between the Ex-Servicemen and State Government to resolve their problems and setting up of resettlement directorate at Army HQ and Command HQ to train serving soldiers for post retirement employment. Ex-servicemen rallies are also being organized regularly to remain in touch with them and help them resolve their problems.

Promoting sports and adventure activities including development of infrastructure remains one of the major emphasis area of Sapta Shakti Command. The Command HQ has Mission Olympic Cell, which is planning and supervising the selection and training of upcoming sports persons to perform well at national and international level. Alongwith this, efforts are also underway to develop world class sports infrastructure at various military stations.

One of the main commitments of AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association) is to rehabilitate the bereaved families of our brave martyrs who gave their 'Today' for our 'Tomorrow'. To provide solace and succor to our Veer Naris and war widows, various projects being run include 'Sanjhi Chat' in Jaipur and similar institutions in other stations. AWWA has been working hard to rehabilitate both our and civilian differently abled children and disabled veterans. Special children are also educated at Army ASHA Schools to provide specialized care with a view to making them physically self sufficient, developing vocational skills and releasing their latent potential to the fullest degree possible.

The area of responsibility of Sapta Shakti Command has a very rich history of tradition and valour. Large number of national integration tours are being planned by Northern and Eastern Army Command to these areas as one of the destinations. The aim of these tours is to give the senior citizens and children of Jammu and Kashmir as also Northeast, a sense of belonging and make them aware of the rich tradition and cultural heritage of our diverse country.

Sapta Shakti Command has set up a clear cut mandate and drawn a roadmap for development in all the stations in the Command theatre. Once executed, these projects will pave way for holistic development, improved living conditions of troops, value addition in social welfare and greatly up graded medical facilities.

Over the last seven years, within the constraints of time, space and funds, a large number of projects have been under taken at various military stations for a greener environment. This includes setting up of environmental parts, rain water harvesting, arboriculture and establishment of nature parks.

Though the youngest Command, it has done itself proud by setting up very high standards in all fields, be it operational readiness, infrastructure development, looking after the veterans and Veer Naris or in adventure and sports activities. The Command is brimming with confidence for a bright and energetic future - ready to live the motto - "Forever Victorious".