Pune, 28th November 2024: “There has been a shift from terrorism to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Adventure sports, mountaineering, and trekking are being promoted, while significant sites like Siachen, Galwan, and Kargil battlefields are being opened for tourists to experience soldiers’ lives on the frontlines,” said Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. He shared these insights on Wednesday during the General B.C. Joshi Memorial Lecture, organized by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
Dwivedi’s lecture, titled “Role and Contribution of Indian Army in Securing India’s Growth Story,” shed light on the Army’s multifaceted contributions, ranging from border protection to infrastructure development and crisis management. Army Southern Headquarters GOC-in-C Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, SPPU Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, Registrar Dr. Jyoti Bhakere, and Department Head Dr. Vijay Khare were also present at the event.
Dwivedi emphasized that obstacles to development harm the nation and that the Army plays a pivotal role not only in safeguarding borders but also in enhancing internal security, providing humanitarian assistance, and managing crises. He highlighted the Army’s involvement in diverse sectors, including road and bridge construction, agriculture, water supply, education, and environmental conservation.
“During emergencies, the Army is the first responder. From setting up hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic to conducting over 40 Himalayan missions, the Army has always prioritized national service,” he said. A single-window system is being developed to facilitate tourism in border areas, he added.
The Army is now focusing on ‘smart borders’ by introducing 4G services in remote areas to benefit both soldiers and civilians. Over 350 military posts are already equipped with 4G. Solar power projects, cultural revitalization in 600 villages, and the preservation of heritage sites are also underway. Dwivedi noted the Army’s commitment to sustainability, citing the planting of over 9.5 crore saplings and the revival of more than 250 water bodies to achieve a zero-carbon footprint.
Dwivedi announced that India, previously an importer of military equipment, is now becoming a key exporter. Small villages, including those in Maharashtra and Pune, are contributing significantly by manufacturing military spare parts. The country is poised to export military equipment worth ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30, he revealed.
Reflecting on the Army’s apolitical and secular nature, Dwivedi highlighted efforts to mediate between the Kukis and Meiteis during the recent Manipur violence. He lauded senior Army officers for their role in fostering dialogue and reconciliation in the strife-torn region. “One payoff of this was recently seen in Manipur where the veterans from the warring communities took on the mantle to ally fears and restore trust among the two ethnic factions. Today, both community members, that is Kukis and Meiteis, in the Indian Army as well as the Assam Rifles, are operating in complete harmony in the same unit. We are also training the police personnel in these areas to instill these values that their duty is more important than their identity”, he added.
Dwivedi underscored the government’s push to transform 48 border locations into tourism hubs. These initiatives aim to showcase the life and challenges of soldiers while boosting local economies. He concluded by reiterating the Army’s steadfast commitment to national growth and security.
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