21 Oct : President Pratibha Patil has assured the armed forces that the nation was aware of the difficulties faced by the troops and the govt was engaged in finding ways to provide enhanced facilities so that they could continue to protect the nation’s territorial integrity with the same determination.
Addressing troops at the 4 Corps headquarters at Tezpur on Tuesday on her maiden visit to any army sector in Eastern India, the President lauded soldiers for effectively protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and tackling terrorism within the country.
She expressed confidence that the country was safe in the hands of the Indian army which was equipped to face any challenges confronting the nation.
"Our armed forces possess the latest modern weapons and I am happy to note that our troops have successfully adopted the new techniques to increase their efficiency," she said.
Besides protecting the frontiers, troops have been engaged in operations against militants and have helped the state government in security-related matters.
The president further lauded the family members of the troops who also made several sacrifices in their daily lives but still continued to inspire their loved ones to protect the nation and "I as the supreme commander of such a force am proud to be the head of such a family."
The President also praised the 4 corps for playing a prominent role in protecting the nation’s integrity and unity.
"During Second World War it had played an important role in stopping the Japanese army from entering the country, during 1962 the soldiers fought with determination against the Chinese and its role in the Indo-Pak War in 1971 is also recorded in the pages of history", she said.
The sacrifices made by the troops of 4 corps is an inspiration for the people of the country and she hoped that the corps would will always live upto its lofty ideals, she added.
Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor said on the occasion that the President’s visit to the sector has been a source of inspiration to the troops and assured her that army would accomplish successfully whatever mission it is entrusted with.
Gen Kapoor said that the brave soldiers of the region have been protecting the borders with China and "We are sure your visit to the sector will definitely contribute in further strengthening the ties between India and China".
"The troops are also playing an important role in tackling insurgency so that militants cannot harm our integrity and in the last few years due to our policy of ‘iron fist with velvet gloves’, several militants of different outfits have surrendered to join the mainstream," he said.
President for more skilled doctors
President Pratibha Patil has underlined the need for having enough skilled healthcare personnel for making affordable medical facilities available in the country, particularly in rural areas.
"Healthcare professionals form the backbone of the medical system in the country, and having enough of skilled medical personnel is essential for making affordable medical facilities available to all," Patil said after laying the foundation stone of the Tezpur Medical College in Assam’s Sonitpur district on Tuesday.
"But currently their number remains inadequate and is reflected in the extremely low doctor-patient ratio, especially in rural areas as compared to global standards," she said.