‘Adversary making attempts to disrupt peace’
*DM, COAS extend felicitations to Northern Command
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: “I am proud of selfless service and supreme sacrifices by the Indian Army, the symbol of unity and national integration. The Army has contributed in creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace and overall development of the J&K UT as well as the growth of our country,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today.
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He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the mega eye camp ‘Op Drishti’ for veterans, Veer Naris and civilians, organised at Command Hospital Northern Command, Udhampur.
The four-day long camp witnessed cataract surgeries performed by professional team of eye surgeons from Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi.
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In his address, the Lieutenant Governor commended the Northern Command, Armed Forces Medical Services, Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi and the professional medical team associated with the camp for setting the highest example of humanitarian ideals before the nation. He also lauded Brig. Dr. Sanjay Mishra, a renowned eye specialist at Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi for his selfless service to society.
“Leadership qualities are important for making a fearless soldier and dedicated officer, who leads from the front and lives by example. This camp is testament to such leadership who are inspiring the communities and building a healthy society,” he said.
Sinha appealed to everyone to participate in eye donation and inspire others for the noble cause.
He said the camp significantly raises awareness about vision-related diseases and offers vital guidance on necessary eye care. Such camps in remote areas reach vulnerable population who are often unaware of their eye conditions or lack the necessary income and resources for treatment, bringing critical care directly to those in need, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the brave personnel of Indian Armed Forces for their unwavering courage and sacrifices to effectively address the security threats.
“Our great nation remains committed to the values of peaceful coexistence, mutual harmony, and friendship. Today, India does not need to prove its prowess. The nation’s valiant Armed Forces stand as a powerful testament to its valour,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the Armed Forces should continually adapt to and remain vigilant against the rapidly changing security environment.
“The adversary is making desperate attempts to disrupt peace and hinder India’s progress. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Police unearthed and dismantled a pan-India terror network that was planning to carry out a series of terrorist attacks across the country. In such a situation, we must remain alert to protect the nation’s honour, protect our borders, and preserve our unity and integrity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Upendra Dwivedi also extended their felicitations, through video messages, to the Northern Command, Armed Forces Medical Services and everyone associated for their noble endeavour. An educational handbook on quality eye care was also released on the occasion.
The camp provided medical support to residents from the far-flung districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Ramban, with over 1,000 persons screened and more than 300 surgeries performed.
Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Legislative Assembly; Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command; Surgeon Vice Admiral Aarti Sarin, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services; Lt Gen CG Muralidharan, Director General, Medical Services (Army); Brig. Dr. Sanjay Mishra; Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, senior officials, veterans, veer naris, and people from different walks of life were present.
The camp exceeded expectations as more than 2,000 people were screened and over 400 surgeries performed, including complex procedures for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal ailments. People, including serving personnel, dependents, Veer Naris (war widows), and local civilians, came from far-flung areas of Jammu & Kashmir, including remote villages in Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Ramban etc.
The surgical team consisted of highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists led by Brigadier SK Mishra, a distinguished ophthalmic surgeon and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), who has the distinction of performing surgery on two Presidents of India.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; Prime Ministers’ Office Dr Jitendra Singh visited the camp on November 20 and interacted with the patients. He toured the Department of Ophthalmology, where he was briefed on the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, patient care programs, and ongoing free eye-screening initiatives. Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the Indian Army for its multifaceted role, stating that while the Army’s service during wartime is exceptional, its contribution to humanity and dedication to serving society in times of peace is equally immense. He emphasised that the Armed Forces not only safeguard the nation but also extend critical healthcare and humanitarian services, reflecting their unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens.
Among the beneficiaries is Surinder Singh, a 72-year-old patriarch from Poonch. He was not merely battling blindness for 2-3 years, he was carrying the heavy, indelible scars of loss. He had witnessed the unfolding tragedy in his very neighborhood as Pakistan resorted to shelling during Operation Sindoor, leading to the loss of lives of his neighbors – the vital breadwinners, the pillars of their families.
Similarly, Abdullah Shafeeq, a 56-year-old retired soldier from Mendhar, proved pivotal in coordinating and facilitating the provision of these specialised ophthalmological facilities to residents impacted by the recent conflict.
The camp delivered life-changing results, perhaps best exemplified by Rajkumari Devi, 96 years, having received the gift of clear sight, now has the precious ability to witness the world in full clarity.
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