Chief of Army Staff Sigdel Highlights Role of Veterans in Nation Building

Kathmandu. Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel has stated that retired military personnel are the energy and ideals of society. Addressing the 'Ex-Servicemen Meet and Reunion Program' held at the Central Division Headquarters in Bardibas, Mahottari, he noted that the contributions made by retired soldiers toward the institutional interests of the army and the protection of national sovereignty are unforgettable.

He urged retired personnel of all ranks of the Nepali Army to present themselves as responsible, disciplined, and dignified citizens in society, while becoming productive and entrepreneurial at the local level. Expressing his commitment to making the facilities of the Nepali Army Welfare Fund decentralized, transparent, and result-oriented, he informed that access for beneficiaries is being expanded in the areas of education, health, self-employment, and skill development.

Chief of Army Staff Sigdel claimed that the role played by the Nepali Army in the country's internal security, development construction, disaster management, and international peacekeeping has made the institution reliable and respected globally. Praising the efficiency shown by the army in conducting the recently concluded general elections in a safe and fair manner, he motivated retired soldiers to be creative at the local level.

He believes that the suggestions and cooperation of retired soldiers are indispensable for achieving sustainable results in welfare work. Stating that the enthusiastic march past displayed by the participants reflected that their military spirit and commitment to the nation are still alive, he mentioned that serving soldiers have become more energized by this.

Discussing the unparalleled contribution the Nepali Army has made since history to keep Nepal's independence, territorial integrity, and national unity intact, Sigdel remembered the sacrifices of the ancestors. He clarified that it is everyone's shared responsibility to develop the army as a capable institution that can face current and future challenges and hand it over to the next generation.

He stated that the professional character and impartiality of the army have contributed significantly to keeping the heads of Nepal and Nepalis high before the world. Urging them to remain associated with the network being expanded by the Welfare Fund in a disciplined and organized manner, he said that efforts are ongoing to improve the living standards of beneficiaries by embracing the motto 'Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya'.

Stating that it is necessary to make welfare works result-oriented, self-reliant, and income-generating rather than just descriptive, the Chief of Army Staff informed that every possible effort is being made for this through coordination with the government or internal resources. He emphasized that military personnel should be role models for society not only while in service but also after retirement.

There was a significant presence of retired soldiers and their families from various districts under the Central Division at the conference. This year's conference was organized with the main slogan of 'Pledge of Ex-Servicemen Conference, Reunion, Welfare of Beneficiaries, and Sustainability of the Fund'.