Assam Governor: Ex-Servicemen Key to Inspiring Youth

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya emphasized the pivotal role ex-servicemen can play in motivating the youth to contribute to nation-building during the 'Rishte Sainik Se' event in Guwahati. The gathering, organized to inform ex-servicemen and their families about government welfare schemes, saw participation from veterans, Veer Naris (widows of servicemen), and Veer Matas (mothers of martyred soldiers) across the state. 

Speaking at the event, Acharya lauded the sacrifices of ex-servicemen, pledging full support from the Governor’s office to ensure their welfare. “Their experiences, shared with the youth, can inspire meaningful contributions to India’s progress,” he said, highlighting the potential of veterans’ stories to instill values of discipline and patriotism. The Governor also commended the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, for its efforts in supporting the ex-servicemen community.

The event, held at the Assam Administrative Staff College, was attended by distinguished veterans, including Air Marshal Anjan Gogoi (Retd), Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita (Retd), and Lt Gen Pranab Kumar Bharali (Retd). Brigadier Polash Choudhury (Retd), Director of Sainik Welfare, detailed key initiatives, including a 2% reservation for ex-servicemen in Class A and B state government jobs, increased cash rewards for gallantry awardees, ex-gratia payments for war casualties, and reserved seats for veterans’ wards in medical and dental colleges. 

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Choudhury also outlined ongoing outreach programs to ensure rehabilitation and integration of ex-servicemen into civilian life, emphasizing job opportunities and skill utilization for societal development. The event aligns with Acharya’s broader initiatives, such as the ‘Rashtriya Kritagyata Evam Jagrookta’ Yojana, launched in January 2025, which encourages veterans to share their experiences in educational institutions to foster patriotism among students. 

Acharya’s focus on veterans extends to recent meetings with the Sainik Welfare Board, where he advocated for leveraging ex-servicemen’s skills for nation-building and ensuring welfare measures reach all corners of Assam. With rising public support, as seen in posts on X, these efforts reflect a growing recognition of veterans’ contributions to both security and societal growth. 

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