By M S Nazki
Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association (ARWWA) is doing a splendid job as their men are on a different adventure on the field duties! In the backyard it is their wives who are handling a job which is equally important!
-It is Mrs. Vibha Lakhera who is leading the women brigade with several initiatives that have been taken which are for the welfare of wives of the Assam Rifles soldiers slogging it out in the entire North-East and now also in Jammu and Kashmir!
-Though the initiatives taken by the President ARWWA have been numerous, we have enlisted three that will give a brief insight as to what the Assam Rifles ladies are doing!
-And these are the three events! By the way I only saw the pictures and from the photographs flowed out this story!
-Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association’s conference (ARWWA) was conducted on 07 Nov 24 at the Laitkor Garrison of Headquarters of Directorate General Assam Rifles in Shillong. The conference was chaired by Mrs Vibha Lakhera, President ARWWA. Aspects related to welfare of families were discussed during the conference.
-This is what this association is all about!
-Then this also happened:
-A ceremony was held at Rai Auditorium, Headquarters Directorate General where Mrs Vibha Lakhera, President ARWWA, presented the prestigious ARWWA Award of Appreciation to distinguished members of the ARWWA fraternity in recognition of their exceptional contributions towards the welfare of Assam Rifles families. On this occasion, the President ARWWA also unveiled ‘SIROI-2025,’ the annual journal showcasing ARWWA’s activities and accomplishments.
-One thing is certain and definite, we would be contributing towards this annual journal!
– By the way, The Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association (ARWWA) undertakes various initiatives focused on social enrichment, health awareness, and vocational training for the families of Assam Rifles personnel. These initiatives include vocational training centers offering courses in areas like computer education, language skills, and tailoring, as well as health awareness programs addressing issues like HIV/AIDS and common diseases. ARWWA also participates in community development projects, such as distributing solar lights in remote villages and supporting differently-abled individuals.
-Not an easy job to do as coordination in such activities is a must! But the fact also is that in the scheme of things where planning and cohesion is a must in welfare activities women outscore the men!
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of ARWWA’s initiatives:
1. Vocational Training and Empowerment: ARWWA operates Vocational Training Centers that provide a range of skills-based training to wives of Assam Rifles personnel.
-These centers offer courses in areas like: Nursery Teacher Training, Computer Education, Language skills (e.g., English, Hindi), Driving skills, Stitching and tailoring, Health and beauty care, Home-based agro initiatives (e.g., bee-keeping, mushroom culture) and Various handicraft items
2. Health Awareness and Support: ARWWA organizes lectures and programs focused on health awareness, including: Sex education for children. Gynecological issues, Precautions and remedies for common diseases like malaria and dengue and Awareness about HIV/AIDS and prevention methods
3. Community Development and Social Welfare: ARWWA collaborates with organizations like Sunbird Trust to bring light and hope to remote villages by installing solar street lights. They distribute wheelchairs and other mobility devices to differently-abled individuals, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. ARWWA also participates in community events, such as distributing essentials during festivals and promoting sportsmanship through friendly matches. The association supports the families of casualties and provides assistance to next of kin.
4. Supporting Families of Assam Rifles Personnel: ARWWA’s primary focus is on the welfare of families, children, and widows of all ranks, including retired personnel of the Assam Rifles. They strive to enhance the overall quality of life for these families by providing support and resources in various aspects.
-By undertaking these initiatives, ARWWA plays a vital role in the well-being and empowerment of Assam Rifles families and contributes to the overall welfare of the communities where they operate.
-This is not an easy task but it still has to be done and these ladies just do it!
-Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association, Shillong is a formal body registered with the Registrar of Societies, Meghalaya, Shillong vide Registration No E.16(Rs)8/2005/122 dt 25 May 2005.
-Aim: The aim of the Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association is to support and enhance the official welfare efforts within the Assam Rifles, focusing especially on the welfare of families, children and widows of all ranks including retired personnel of the Assam Rifles.
Objectives of ARWWA. Following objectives have been identified for Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association after detailed deliberation :- (a) Welfare of war and operational widows, living in areas which are not in the immediate reach of a unit/ formation HQ of AR. (b) Welfare of ex-Assam Rifles personnel/ families who are in financial distress. (c) Welfare of aged ex-Assam Rifles personnel/ handicapped children of ex Assam Rifles personnel/ war and operational widows needing rehabilitation/assistance.
(d) Welfare of families staying away from AR personnel due to exigencies of service.
(e) Consultancy assistance related to socio-legal matters.
(f) Welfare of Next of Kin of casualties.
(g) Aspects of welfare of serving AR personnel/ families and dependents,
which are not covered by unit administration and welfare.
(h) Provision of vocational training for empowerment of wives of Assam Rifles personnel.
-Now the ladies went a step ahead:
-Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association Inagurated its Logo video conference: In a significant initiative, the #AssamRifles Wives Welfare Association (ARWWA) inaugurated its official logo through a video conference at HQ DG Assam Rifles on 16 Jun 2025. The virtual ceremony witnessed the online participation of ARWWA members, senior officials and their families from various locations of Assam Rifles, showcasing the association’s unity and adaptability to modern technology. The newly unveiled logo stands as a symbol of Asha (Hope), Vishwas (Trust) and Maitri (Bond), further inspiring ARWWA’s ongoing efforts in social service, education, and women empowerment.
Indeed a fantastic job done but mind you readers that more on this subject would be coming!
