Parwinder Sandhu
New Delhi, 7 Feb (.) What began as an official review of operational preparedness in the forward areas of Poonch district turned into a deeply moving reunion on Saturday, as Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi met a former soldier who once served under his command more than two decades ago.
Amid snow-dusted ridgelines and tense border deployments, the Army Chief’s visit carried a rare personal moment when he stopped at Kamsar village to meet Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retired) of 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. The two soldiers shared more than a handshake; they exchanged memories forged in uniform more than two decades ago.
General Dwivedi had commanded the battalion between 2002 and 2005, a period during which Sub Parvez Ahmed served alongside him. Their reunion, marked by warm smiles and quiet conversation, reflected the enduring brotherhood that outlasts service years and ranks.
Now retired, Sub Parvez Ahmed’s journey in olive green began in March 1991 and spanned 25 years until his retirement in March 2019. His career saw him serve in both operational deployments and instructional roles, where he trained younger soldiers, while also excelling in specialised military courses that earned him recognition over the years.
For the people of Kamsar, however, his service did not end with retirement.
During Operation Sindoor, when tensions in the region escalated, the veteran once again stepped forward. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the terrain and close ties with local communities, he quietly supported deployed troops, helping with logistics and coordination at personal risk. His actions, carried out without expectation of recognition, strengthened the bridge between the Army and civilians in a sensitive border region.
During the COAS’s visit, that quiet dedication received formal acknowledgement. In the presence of his family, fellow veterans and local residents, General Dwivedi presented Sub Parvez Ahmed with the Veteran Achiever Award, honouring not only his distinguished military career but also his continued service to the nation post-retirement.
Witnesses described the moment as emotional, with villagers gathering to watch a soldier of their soil being honoured by the Chief of the Army Staff himself. For many, it was a reminder that in border districts like Poonch, the line between soldier and civilian often blurs, service is not just a profession, but a lifelong commitment.
Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed in forward areas and interacted with personnel at forward posts, commending them for their high morale and readiness under challenging conditions.
He also met several other veterans, along with local civilians, including women and children, in informal interactions that showcased the deep bonds between the Army and the communities of Jammu and Kashmir’s border regions.
For the soldiers on duty and the families who live in the shadow of the Line of Control, Saturday’s visit was more than an inspection; it was a homecoming of shared history, sacrifice, and an unbroken chain of trust between the Army and its people.
. PWS .
