Guns, Care And Culture: Inside Southern Command Chief's Gujarat Tour

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, conducted a comprehensive operational review across the state of Gujarat, with a focused assessment of border security along the strategically significant Creek and Kutch sectors.During the visit, Lt. Gen oversaw the large scale Defence of Gujarat exercise, which tested operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and rapid response mechanism in challenging terrain and complex operational conditions. The exercise validated Southern Command's preparedness to respond to diverse security contingencies and reaffirmed its capability to safeguard national interests across Gujarat's varied operational domains.At Bhuj military station, the Army

commander inaugurated a mega Surgical eye camp outreach programme, organised with the support of specialist ophthalmic teams from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi. The outreach programme screened more than 2,500 patients from over 120 remote villages and restored vision to over 200 beneficiaries through advanced diagnostic and surgical interventions. The initiative underscored the Indian Army's enduring commitment to delivering quality healthcare to underserved communities in border and remote areas.In Ahmedabad, Lt Gen Seth and Mrs Komal Seth, regional president of the southern command army women welfare association (AWWA), interacted with and felicitated Veer Naris and Veer Matas, acknowledging their courage, sacrifice and resilience. The engagement reflected the Indian Army's deep sense of responsibility towards the families of its fallen heroes.The visit culminated with Shaurya Sandhya, a vibrant cultural and martial programme attended by CM of Gujarat. The evening blended martial traditions with cultural expression in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.Highlights included NIFT students presenting Khadi-based Indian fashion, classical Bharatanatyam performances, and dynamic martial displays by soldiers featuring Jhankh Pathak, Kalaripayattu and the Army Martial Art Routine (AMAR).Together, the operational review, humanitarian outreach and cultural engagement reflected the spirit of a saksham aur surakshit Bharat, reinforcing the Indian Army's enduring bond with the people of Gujarat as the nation progresses towards Viksit Bharat 2047.