Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar Assesses Operational Readiness and Tours Army Public School in Punjab
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, who commands the Indian Army's Western Command, made a recent visit to the Double Victory Brigade stationed with the Vajra Corps in Punjab. The purpose of the visit was to assess the brigade's operational preparedness given its strategic deployment along the border with Pakistan.
During his review, the General Officer commended the brigade for maintaining a high level of training and showed satisfaction with the readiness of the mechanized units. These units are crucial, serving as a frontline defense in India's western sector, a region deeply influenced by the historical events of the partition and the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war.
Lt Gen Katiyar's itinerary also included a visit to the Army Public School (APS) in Beas, Kapurthala. During his visit, he received briefings on the school's development initiatives and urged the staff to continue prioritizing both academic excellence and the holistic development of students. Founded in 1995 by the late Gen BC Joshi, APS Beas primarily serves the children of military personnel, thereby fostering a nurturing environment for military families. Research indicates that such quality educational opportunities can greatly improve morale and retention among armed forces members.
Lt Gen Katiyar, who took command of the Western Command in July 2023, brings over 37 years of extensive experience in key operational zones, including Siachen and the Line of Actual Control. His visit underscores the Army's commitment to maintaining robust operational capabilities while also focusing on the welfare of its personnel and their families, thus securing long-term defense readiness and institutional backing.
