DH NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI /Jammu, JUNE 8
In a significant move to boost morale and enhance civil-military synergy, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), visited forward areas in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand on Saturday. The visit aimed to review the operational and administrative readiness of the Indian Army units deployed in the strategically important region.
During his visit to the forward posts, General Dwivedi interacted with soldiers stationed along the frontiers. He commended the troops for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and professionalism under challenging terrain and weather conditions. Acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment, the Army Chief emphasized the critical need to maintain high standards of operational preparedness and uninterrupted vigilance along the sensitive stretches of the northern borders.
The COAS appreciated the seamless coordination and synergy between various field formations and their command structures, which play a crucial role in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation. He also took stock of logistical preparedness and the availability of infrastructure support to the troops deployed in these rugged regions.
Later in the day, General Dwivedi inaugurated Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM, the first-of-its-kind Community Radio Station located in Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand. Conceptualized as a grassroots communication platform, this station is envisioned to bridge the information gap in remote areas and strengthen local engagement. The community radio will act as a vital medium for local expression, knowledge dissemination, and cultural preservation in the region.
The station will feature a diverse range of programmes, including segments on education, environmental awareness, health, employment opportunities, disaster preparedness, tourism promotion, and traditional arts. Its content is curated to reflect the socio-cultural ethos of the region while also providing timely and relevant information to the community. In his inaugural podcast address, General Dwivedi shared his vision behind the launch of Ibex Tarana. He said, “Ibex Tarana is not just a radio station-it is a powerful medium to amplify the voice of the youth. It will bring the community together, promote local talent, and reconnect people with their cultural roots.” The podcast struck a chord with local residents, especially the youth, who see it as an opportunity to contribute to community-driven content. On this occasion, the COAS also presented the Veterans Achievement Award to a select group of distinguished Army veterans, recognising their outstanding contributions to nation-building, social upliftment, and community leadership after retirement from active service. These awards celebrated the spirit of continued service and national pride among retired personnel who have made a meaningful impact in civil society.
The Army Chief’s visit, coupled with the inauguration of a unique community initiative, underlined the Indian Army’s commitment not only to security and defence, but also to social empowerment, regional integration, and cultural revival in remote Himalayan territories. It sent a strong message about the Army’s role as a catalyst of holistic development in the border regions.
