By M S Nazki
A great general possesses a combination of strategic vision, decisive leadership, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence in their troops. They are skilled in both planning and execution, adaptable to changing circumstances, and possess the mental fortitude to persevere through setbacks. Vikaas Lakhera the General is full of all these attributes!
-“When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and what I am going to say and two-thirds about him and what he is going to say.” – Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States and former Captain in the Illinois state militia during the Black Hawk War.
-Furthermore, a great general understands the importance of details, the value of their troops, and the need for continuous learning and improvement.
-And this is what General Vikaas Lakhera DG of Assam Rifles thinks as he wakes up in the morning though the details of the work out for today he would be knowing yesterday when he had left his office!
-Strategic Vision and Planning and the big picture thinking for today’s routine: A great general doesn’t get bogged down in minor details, but maintains a clear understanding of the overall strategic goals and how to achieve them.
-Adaptability: The ability to adjust plans and strategies in response to unexpected challenges or opportunities is crucial.
-Effective Communication: Clearly communicating the vision and mission to the troops is essential for maintaining focus and motivation.
-Leadership and Command and the inspiration and trust: A great general earns the respect and loyalty of their troops through their actions and by demonstrating genuine concern for their well-being.
-Decisiveness: Knowing when to make critical decisions, even with incomplete information, is a hallmark of strong leadership. In a nutshell what has to be done has to be done!
-Determination: The ability to persevere through adversity and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of setbacks, is vital.
-Attention to Detail: Recognizing that military organizations are ultimately composed of individuals who need to feel appreciated and taken care of is crucial for success.
-Other Important Qualities include:
-Courage: Both physical and moral courage are essential for a general to inspire their troops and make difficult decisions.
-Selflessness: A great general prioritizes the needs of their troops and the mission above personal gain.
– Humanity: Understanding and connecting with the troops on a personal level fosters loyalty and sacrifice. (This aspect forms the crux of the story we are doing)
-Continuous Learning: A great general is always seeking to improve their knowledge and skills, and to learn from past experiences.
DG Assam Rifles-Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera has taken charge as the new director general of the Assam Rifles, succeeding Lt Gen PC Nair. Commissioned into the 4 SIKH LI of the Indian Army in 1990, Lakhera has extensive experience in the northeastern region. A postgraduate from Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, and an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, London, he has held various command and staff roles. Previously, he served as additional director general military operations. His accolades include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Sena Medal.
-He has tenanted various command and staff appointments during his illustrious career.
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, and former Captain in the Army Reserves
Director General AssamRifles, launched the ‘Sampark Setu’ app to strengthen connectivity with veterans. This innovative platform will provide veterans seamless access to pension updates, grievance redressal, organizational news and apply for identity cards and various grants through ARESA. The DG praised the initiative, reaffirming his commitment to veteran welfare through technology. The app also features an interactive platform for veterans to stay connected. This user-friendly app reflects the organization’s dedication to honoring its veterans by bridging gaps and ensuring their well-being
-About Sampark Setu
-Sampark Setu is a digital platform developed for the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association (ARESA) to connect ex-servicemen (ESM) with various services and information. It acts as a centralized system for grievance redressal, policy updates, and grant management for veterans and their families. The platform allows for seamless registration, grievance submission, claim applications, and tracking of progress.
-Purpose: Sampark Setu aims to improve communication and access to information for Assam Rifles ex-servicemen.
-Functionality: It provides a digital interface for ex-servicemen to:
-Target Audience: The platform serves ex-servicemen, ARESA centers, Section Users, Veteran Cells, and administrators.
-Key Features:
-Grievance Redressal: A streamlined process for submitting and monitoring complaints.
-Policy Updates: Access to the latest information on policies and government schemes.
-Grant Management: Application and tracking of various grants and financial assistance.
-Seamless Registration and Updates: Easy registration process and the ability to update personal information.
-Transparent Tracking: Real-time tracking of the progress of applications and grievances.
The ‘Sampark Setu’ app, accessible through the Google Play Store, is tailored to offer veterans immediate access to vital services and information. Among its key functionalities are real-time updates on pension statuses, a mechanism for grievance redressal, and the latest news from the Assam Rifles. Additionally, the app simplifies previously complex administrative tasks, allowing veterans to effortlessly apply for identity cards and various grants via the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association (ARESA).
The app also introduces an interactive segment that encourages veterans to maintain connections with one another and with the organization itself. This feature is particularly crucial for nurturing a sense of community, ensuring that retired personnel remain informed and engaged with ongoing developments within the Assam Rifles.
In his remarks, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera noted that the launch of the ‘Sampark Setu’ app marks a pivotal moment in Assam Rifles’ ongoing initiatives to honor and aid its veterans. He highlighted that this technological advancement reflects a broader movement towards incorporating digital tools in veteran welfare programs, potentially serving as a model for other organizations within the armed forces.
Through the confluence of digital innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to tradition, the Assam Rifles seeks to guarantee that its veterans are not only commemorated for their service but also well-supported in their transition to civilian life. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the needs of veterans, providing them with the resources and connectivity they require as they adapt to life after military service
Finally to conclude we can only say: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” For tomorrow this is our backdrop to the story: Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them.” By the way, General Lakhera knows the same! So see you till we meet again as tomorrow is going to approach in next 24 hours as we would start yet again!
