GOC Eastern Command visits DISHA
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 20 2009: The general Officer Commanding (GOC), Eastern Command of the Army, Lt Gen VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM was on a visit to 57 Mountain Division and a few of its units in Bishnupur and South Assam yesterday.

He also visited the DISHA Boys Hostel at Leimakhong yesterday and interacted with 25 boys who are staying at the Hostel.

According to a press release issued today by the PIB (Defence Wing), the GOC Eastern Command expressed his satisfaction with DISHA and happiness on meeting the young boys at DISHA.

Army Commander Lt Gen VK Singh, GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen RK Loomba and GOC 57 Mtn Divn Maj Gen Shakti Gurung interacting with 'DISHA' boys

The General said that it would be the Army's endeavour to expand the facility further.

"Our focus is to provide a sound based to the children of diverse ethnic origin (Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and others) in availing basic education so that they can grow up to contribute towards the overall development of the state and the nation, with the hope that they become responsible citizens and bring about prosperity to their region," the press release quoted the GOC as saying.

The Army Commander was accompanied by GOC 3 Corps, Lt Gen RK Loomba, AVSM and Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM during the visit to DISHA Boys Hostel.

The press release reminded the people of Imphal and Manipur that the PIB (DW) had recently published a story in the Imphal-based newspapers about DISHA, a unique endeavour of the Red Shield Division, to reach out to all districts of Manipur to reaffirm the concern and genuine interest of the Army towards the welfare of the local populace by bringing bright young children of Manipur in to the mainstream.

Lt Gen VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM may well be termed as the 'Father' of this project as it was his brainchild which led to the establishment of this institute after his discussion with the GOC, 57 Mountain Division last year.

The boys hostel was then conceptualized, designed and established by Head Quarters 57 Mountain Division, as a beacon of hope for the privileged children of Manipur who have the potential to do well academicall, it stated.

The press release further informed that the aim of the boys hostel project, besides serving as a home of hope, love, care and growth for the bright but under provileged children, is to create a strong bond between the Army and the local civilian population.

After a night halt at Leimakhong, the Army Commander visited South Assam including NC Hills before leaving for Kolkata today.