Auli, Uttarakhand: Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, recently attended a Sainik Sammelan with personnel of the 7th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, famously known as the ‘Auli Battalion,’ and members of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Mountaineering and Skiing Institute. The event, held in the challenging high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas, served as a powerful tribute to the courage and professionalism of soldiers guarding India’s northern frontiers.
During the Sammelan, Lt Gen Singh felicitated several soldiers for their exceptional dedication, exemplary service, and outstanding performance in demanding operational environments. The gathering underscored the unyielding spirit of troops who operate in some of the world’s most inhospitable conditions, where extreme weather, rugged terrain, and strategic challenges define daily duty.
“From Operation Pawan to Operation Snow Leopard, the valour and sacrifice of our armed forces form a priceless part of our national legacy,” Lt Gen Singh highlighted, paying homage to the historical contributions and recent operational achievements of India’s defenders.
The event also spotlighted the pivotal role of the ITBP’s Mountaineering and Skiing Institute in Auli. Established as a centre of excellence, the institute has significantly enhanced India’s capabilities in high-altitude warfare, mountaineering, and specialised skiing operations. It not only trains personnel for extreme environment missions but also serves as an inspiration for the youth of Uttarakhand, promoting values of adventure, discipline, and national service.
Lt Gen Singh noted that such institutions are creating new pathways for young Indians to contribute meaningfully to the nation. By fostering a culture of physical and mental resilience, the institute is helping build a robust cadre of personnel equipped to handle the unique demands of border management and mountain warfare.
The Sainik Sammelan reflects the Indian Army and ITBP’s continued emphasis on troop morale, recognition of excellence, and investment in specialised training. As India strengthens its posture along its high-altitude borders, initiatives like these remain critical to maintaining operational readiness and inspiring the next generation of defenders.
In an era of complex geopolitical dynamics, the quiet professionalism displayed by soldiers in Auli stands as a testament to India’s enduring commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity with resolve and honour.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
