KANERI MATH: 27th National Annual Conference of the Akhil Bharatiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad (ABPSSP) commenced on October 2 at 9.00 am at Kaneri Math in an enthusiastic atmosphere. The conference has been organised to deliberate upon various issues concerning ex-servicemen across the country and to chart the future course of action of the organisation.
Chhoti Toli meeting during first half of the day: This meeting was attended by members of National Executive who play an important role in various initiatives of the organisation. Discussions were held on issues concerning ex-servicemen and matrushakti, as well as the organisation’s future programmes and action plan.
High Tea with local dignitaries: High Tea was organised at around midday, for interact with the National Mg Committee members and honour local dignitaries; which was attended by Lok Sabha MP Shri Chhatrapati Shahuji, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Dhananjay Mahadik, former MP Smt. Nivedita Mane, other local dignitaries, patrons and well-wishers of ABPSSP, and representatives of the media. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chhatrapati Shahuji appreciated the work being undertaken by ABPSSP for addressing the issues of ex-servicemen and Matrushakti. He also urged ABPSSP to take initiative in addressing issues concerning the future of Agniveers, a large number of whom will be returning to civilian life after completing their four-year service.
Rajya Sabha MP Shri Dhananjay Mahadik referred to the recent decision taken by the Government of Maharashtra and stated that an important policy decision had been taken to provide opportunities to ex-Agniveers in uniformed services in the government and semi-government sectors in the State.
ABPSSP National President Lt Gen V.K Chaturvedi (Retd) welcomed this initiative of the Government of Maharashtra while pointing out that the issue of rehabilitation of Agniveers is not confined to one State and that further efforts are required in several more States across the country. He stated that a large number of Agniveers will be completing their service and returning to civilian life in the coming years, and that it is also the responsibility of ex-servicemen to provide them with guidance and knowledge during their second career innings.
Lt Gen Chaturvedi expressed gratitude for the continued support extended to ABPSSP by Kaneri Math. He also expressed his satisfaction at being able to organise the National Conference in the sacred and peaceful surroundings of the Math and stated that ABPSSP would always remain grateful for the warm support and cooperation of the revered Swamiji.
Former MP Nivedita Mane expressed her full support for the various initiatives being undertaken by ABPSSP for ex-servicemen and on social issues. She specifically stated that ABPSSP should remain in touch with her for pursuing pending issues and for extending the necessary cooperation and coordination.
At the conclusion of the programme, the dignitaries present were felicitated with mementoes. Air Marshal Pradeep Bapat (Retd), President, ABPSSP Maharashtra & Goa, proposed a vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, invitees, well-wishers and media representatives.
Exhibition of rare war Photographs: The dignitaries and guests present also visited a special exhibition of rare photographs from the 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars. The exhibition has been organised at Kaneri Math with the support of Shri Kunal Suthavane, CEO, Namaste Shaurya Foundation, Dombivli. The exhibition received an enthusiastic response and appreciation from the viewers.
National Management Committee Meeting: After lunch, a meeting of the ABPSSP National Management Committee was held. All members of the National Management Committee, along with Presidents and Vice-Presidents from various States, attended this meeting. Addressing the meeting, National President Lt Gen VK Chaturvedi (Retd) emphasised the need for ex-servicemen to remain vigilant in the prevailing circumstances.
He stated that it was important to understand facts without falling prey to false and misleading narratives and to make a positive contribution to society. He appealed to ex-servicemen to participate responsibly and effectively in the SIR process for revision of electoral rolls and to cooperate with the administration in ensuring accurate information and clean data. He also expressed concern over the growing threat of drug abuse in society. He called upon ex-servicemen to extend all possible cooperation to government agencies and organisations working to combat this problem. He also mentioned the enthusiastic response received from ex-servicemen to the recently organised programmes at Kargil and Moirang. He appealed to ex-servicemen to continue to remain actively engaged in activities relating to national service, national integration and the welfare of society.
Concluding his address, Lt Gen Chaturvedi expressed his sentiments by stating, “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to organise the National Conference of ABPSSP in the sacred, serene and spiritual surroundings of Kaneri Math.
The three-day National Conference is being attended by ex-servicemen and Matrushakti from across the country, national and state office-bearers, and dignitaries from various fields. Detailed discussions on various issues concerning the welfare of ex-servicemen will be held over the next two days.
