Operation Sadhbavana improving lives of people in far-flung Jammu areas
Indian Army under "Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill)" is reaching out to communities in far-flung areas of the Jammu region through a series of civilian programs aimed at improving the lives of people. From engaging youngsters in sporting activities and debates on issues such as drug abuse, the Army is also organizing medical camps and capacity building tours for students and farmers regularly under the operation.
Program aims to build strong bond with Jammu population
"The motive behind the civil action program is to build a strong bond with the local population, to improve their living standards and keep them abreast with developments and the latest trends outside the state," Jammu-based Defense PRO Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said.
Forces organized 36 camps, 32 lectures, 30 communal-harmony meetings
The program, which has started since the beginning of 2018, witnessed over 36 medical and veterinary camps, 32 lectures on health issues and 30 communal harmony meetings, besides over a dozen ex-servicemen rallies in the Jammu province. Over 30,000 patients in far-flung areas, most of whom do not have access to quality medical facilities, were provided free treatment and medicines at camps, Anand said.
Army veterinary doctors treated thousands of bovine animals
The PRO said Army veterinary doctors have also treated thousands of bovine animals. People in the region, a majority of whom are from the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, earn their livelihood from cattle farming, he said. The force's main focus is on the youth. They are being engaged in sports and debates to ensure their positive development, the officer said.
Army organized pre-recruitment training, youth festivals
Skill development programs to enhance youth's employability, pre-recruitment training, youth festivals and creating awareness about cyber-crimes are some of the other initiatives of the Army. Lectures on drug menace, global warming, wildlife and electricity, and sanitation and waste disposal management are being organized in educational institutions. He said awareness of women empowerment and importance of girl child, besides "Swachh Bharat", is also being spread.
Several youngsters, including girls, are benefiting from the program
Several youngsters, including girls, are benefiting from vocational training in fields such as information technology, welding, plumbing, driving, garment making, cattle rearing, and food processing, Anand said. These courses are conducted by state and national level skill development agencies like the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), he said, adding that the technical sessions are held by experts from these agencies.
Army has given computers, books and sports items to schools
The Army has also presented gymnasium equipment, computers, books and sports items to various educational institutions to ensure students excel in the field along with their studies, Anand said. The officer said Army has also organized online interactive physics and chemistry classes for high school students. In these classes, students interact with teachers from different parts of India. The initiative aims at empowering students.
Interactions spread awareness about role of Army in nation-building
Interactions are also aimed at spreading awareness among the local population about the role of the Army in nation-building and welfare activities. "Unity in diversity has been one of the greatest characteristics of our nation, which has bound people of all religions together in one bond of humanity. The Army is committed to promoting multi-cultural fabric of the nation," he said.
