By M S Nazki
To be heroic is to be courageous enough to die for something; to be inspirational is to be crazy enough to live a little. Lt General Vikas Lakhera believes in this theorem and it was aptly visible in the 190th Raising Day of Assam Rifles!
-We would love to say something about the officers, men and the young ladies of Assam Rifles, ‘a warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does’!
– He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior and VL, if we can understand perfectly, knows what we are writing about!
-Every man is born to become a great man but what we think is that he should lose a battle in his youth, so he does not lose a war when he is old! Hope we are not wrong!
-The Assam Rifles celebrates its 190th Raising Day at its headquarters in Meghalaya’s Shillong/New Delhi!
-India’s oldest paramilitary force the Assam Rifles celebrated its 190th Raising Day at its headquarters in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong.
-The 4 Assam Rifles received the ‘DGAR Banner’ for 2023-24, while 3 Assam Rifles came first runners-up, and 36 Assam Rifles took the second runners-up place.
-DGAR is short for Director General Assam Rifles.
-The honours (DGAR Banner) were a significant highlight of the Raising Day ceremony that recognised the dedication, professionalism and outstanding contributions made by battalions and units in ensuring security and stability of the region, the Assam Rifles said in a post on its official Facebook page.
-Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera spoke highly of the personnel for their outstanding contribution in fighting insurgency in the northeast region and Jammu and Kashmir, an official said.
-The Assam Rifles – ‘Sentinels of the North East’ – is under the administrative control of the Union Home Ministry and operational control of the Indian Army.
-At the war memorial in Shillong’s Laitkor, all ranks of the force paid homage to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, the Assam Rifles said:
-The force has been modernising itself with proper acquisition of weapons, surveillance, and protective equipment, the official said.
-Union Ministers Amit Shah and Jyotiraditya Scindia, and governors and chief ministers of states in the northeast also extended greetings to the Assam Rifles on its 190th Raising Day.
-‘Greetings to our brave sentinels of the Northeast, the Assam Rifles personnel and their families on Raising Day. The force has knocked off the challenges to the security of the northeast with their valour and won hearts through their humanitarian assistance to the people. Salute to the warriors of the Assam Rifles who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” Mr Shah said!
-Some facts yet again:
-Assam Rifles Raising Day is a day when India’s oldest paramilitary force came into existence i.e., in 1835.
-The Assam Rifles often nicknamed the ‘Sentinels of the Northeast’ or ‘Friends of the Hill People’ play a crucial role in maintaining security in India’s northeastern states, guarding the Indo-Myanmar border, and conducting counter-insurgency operations.
-Assam Rifles came into existence. It was originally raised as the Cachar Levy by the British to maintain law and order in the turbulent northeastern region of India. Over the years, the force witnessed several organisational and name changes, before finally becoming the Assam Rifles in 1917.
-The date March 24 is significant because it officially recognises the establishment of this paramilitary force, which has played a vital role in securing India’s northeastern borders, combating insurgency, and aiding in disaster relief. The Raising Day celebrations honour the Assam Rifles’ legacy, sacrifices, and contributions to national security.
-Several leaders and others extend their wishes
-Minister of Indigenous Affairs of Arunachal Pradesh, Mama Natung, shared a, ‘Saluting the bravery and dedication of the Assam Rifles on their 190th Raising Day! Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation inspire us all. Heartfelt gratitude to the sentinels of the Northeast. Jai Hind!’
-Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI – INDIAN ARMY) wrote, “Sentinels of the North East GeneralUpendraDwivedi, COAS and All Ranks of the #IndianArmy convey best wishes to All Ranks and Families of AssamRifles on the occasion of Raising Day.
-Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju also extended his wishes to the paramilitary force and wrote, “Greetings to the brave personnel of AssamRifles on their Raising Day! As the oldest Paramilitary Force & the Sentinels of the North-East, their dedication to duty & supreme sacrifices in service of the nation inspire us all. Grateful for their indomitable spirit!’
-Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, ‘Salute to bravehearts of the Assam Rifles, the Sentinels of North East, on their Raising Day!
-Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place – that is, the unique you and the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Lt General Vikas Lakhera Must have taught this craft to his troops and that is the reason as to why they are the champions on any turf!
The Assam Rifles (AR) is a central paramilitary force responsible for border security, counter-insurgency, and maintaining law and order in Northeast India. It is also responsible for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border. The AR is the oldest paramilitary force in India, originally raised in 1835 as Cachar Levy, a militia to protect tea gardens and fertile plains of Assam against unruly tribes. Its scope increased with the expansion of the British Raj in Northeast India, and was used against insurgency in the region. The force was redesignated as Assam Frontier Police in 1883, Assam Military Police in 1891, and East Bengal and Assam Military Police in 1913. It got its present name in 1917.
Recruitment, perks, promotions, and retirement policies of AR are governed by CAPF rules. Around 80 percent of its officers are deputed from the Indian Army, and the remaining from AR cadre. The AR is commanded by the Director General of the Assam Rifles (DG AR) who is appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Commitment to Serving the Nation: The Assam Rifles remain committed to service to the nation. The tales of sacrifice, courage, and friendship of Assam Rifles wherein they beat all odds of harsh terrain and weather of North East have always been an inspiration for people all over the nation. The force has been serving the nation for the last 190 years, earning many laurels at all levels.
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera celebrated Assam Rifles’ 14th Raising Day, highlighting their achievements in security and outreach. 115 students joined an enriching program, gaining insights into military life and operations, fostering respect and interest in serving the nation. Commendations were awarded for outstanding service.
In a fitting celebration of its 14th Raising Day, the Assam Rifles invited Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, to visit its headquarters in Laitumkhrah, Shillong. The unit has achieved significant recognition for its dedication to internal security, disaster relief, anti-narcotics operations, and border security in just 13 years, according to an official statement.
During the Sanik Sammelan, Lt Gen Lakhera lauded the ranks for their achievements and operational efficiency. Exceptional contributors were honored with DG Assam Rifles Commendation cards. In an inspiring move to engage young minds, 115 students from Holy Cross School, Kumarghat, participated in ‘A Day with Company Commander’ program at Shoorveer Battalion, Radhanagar, enriching their understanding of the Armed Forces.
The students, introduced to military etiquette and customs, were captivated by live arms demonstrations and a dog show displaying the skills of tracker dogs. Their tour included a visit to a Drone Lab and the ceremonial Quarter Guard, culminating in a shared meal at the Officers’ Mess. The day left the students motivated, many expressing newfound aspirations to join the Defense Forces.
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera celebrated Assam Rifles’ 14th Raising Day, highlighting their achievements in security and outreach. 115 students joined an enriching program, gaining insights into military life and operations, fostering respect and interest in serving the nation. Commendations were awarded for outstanding service. In a fitting celebration of its 14th Raising Day, the Assam Rifles invited Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, to visit its headquarters in Laitumkhrah, Shillong. The unit has achieved significant recognition for its dedication to internal security, disaster relief, anti-narcotics operations, and border security in just 13 years, according to an official statement.
The Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), located at Laitumkhrah, Shillong, marked its 14th Raising Day on Wednesday with a ceremonial visit by Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM.
The occasion celebrated the HQ’s achievements in operational readiness and its contributions to national security and community outreach.
Established in 2010, HQ IGAR (East) has, over the past 14 years, become a vital formation in the region, recognized for its professionalism in internal security, disaster response, and anti-narcotics operations, particularly along India’s international borders.
During the Sainik Sammelan, DG Lakhera commended the personnel of Assam Rifles for their high level of operational performance and dedication. Several individuals were presented with DG Assam Rifles Commendation Cards for their outstanding service to the organisation.
As part of the celebration, the Assam Rifles also conducted an outreach programme with 65 students from Holy Cross School in Umkiang, aimed at inspiring young minds about the Indian Armed Forces. The students visited the Assam Rifles Shoorveer Battalion in Radhanagar, Meghalaya, where they experienced various aspects of military life.
The event began at the Officers’ Mess with an introduction to the values and culture of the Armed Forces. Students witnessed a live small arms firing demonstration and participated in hands-on weapon orientation sessions.
A demonstration of tracking and field operations gave students insight into the real-time preparedness and skills of the Assam Rifles personnel. At the Drone Lab, students were shown modern surveillance technology in action. They also visited the Quarter Guard for a ceremonial display, followed by a hearty lunch with the soldiers, which reinforced the spirit of camaraderie.
The event left a lasting impression on the visiting students, many of whom expressed strong interest in pursuing a career in the Defence Forces, inspired by the discipline, courage, and professionalism demonstrated by the troops.
The 14th Raising Day served as both a celebration of achievements and a reaffirmation of Assam Rifles’ enduring role in the Northeast’s peace and security architecture.
The statement ‘The writers are nothing but a paper and pen in hand’ highlights the physical act of writing with pen and paper as the core of a writer’s process. It emphasizes the connection between the writer’s thoughts and the physical act of putting them down on paper, suggesting a deeper, more personal experience than simply typing. This method can foster focus, creativity, and a sense of connection to the craft of writing. We do tend to create a connection and with God almighty’s blessings we so far have been blessed! So keep reading as that is all we have for today!
