Argus News - Odisha Media Delegation Meets Himachal Governor, Visits ARTRAC

Shimla, Mar 23: The Odisha media delegation, led by PIB Bhubaneswar, called on the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, at Lok Bhavan, Shimla.

The team shared its experiences from the tour, with discussions centring on cultural exchange, development initiatives, and the role of media in strengthening national integration.

Governor Gupta highlighted that such exposure visits embody the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, fostering mutual understanding among states. He emphasized India’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity, noting that unity remains the nation’s greatest strength.

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The Governor also spoke about improving connectivity in remote and border areas, promoting local products, medicinal plant cultivation, natural farming, and skill development for youth. He urged media professionals to play a constructive role in showcasing positive government initiatives.

Earlier, the delegation visited the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) at Annandale. Senior officers briefed them on ARTRAC’s mandate as the apex training command of the Indian Army, established in October 1991. From two training establishments, ARTRAC has expanded to 34 institutions, overseeing training policy, doctrinal development, and performance evaluation. Nearly 50,000 personnel, including foreign officers, are trained annually under its aegis.

Highlighting the evolving nature of warfare, officers stressed the importance of technological adaptation. ARTRAC collaborates with IITs, the Indian Institute of Science, and industry partners to integrate indigenous technologies into training. They described media as a vital element in modern warfare, calling it a “battle of narratives and perception,” and emphasized greater synergy between the armed forces and media.

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The delegation also attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the renovated Shradhanjali Sthal in the Army Heritage Museum. The ceremony, led by Lt. Gen. Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, included the dedication of a 52-foot-high National Flag, symbolizing unity, pride, and the supreme sacrifice of soldiers. Military personnel, ex-servicemen, and NCC cadets paid homage to the fallen heroes.

The delegation was accompanied by Manoj Kumar Jali, Deputy Director, Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Bhubaneswar, and Sanjiv Sharma, Assistant Director, PIB Shimla, along with senior journalists.