Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi awards unit certificate of appreciation to ZRO Shillong on Army Day 2026
New Delhi, January 15
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi conferred the 'COAS Unit Certificate of Appreciation to Zonal Recruiting Office Shillong' in recognition of the unit's outstanding achievements in motivating and recruitment of youth of entire North East region to serve the Nation during the Army Investiture Ceremony held at Jaipur on January 14 to 15.
According to an official release, the award was received by Brigadier Rajeev Kumar, Deputy Director General Rtg and Subedar Major Milkha Singh of ZRO Shillong.
ZRO, Shillong, through meticulous planning of outreach activities, ensured youth motivation in the remotest districts, achieving a 64 per cent increase in youth registrations to join the Armed Forces.
The intake into the Armed Forces has also increased by more than 100 per cent from last year. As a result, the motivation and satisfaction levels of youth in the North East States are at their peak.
ZRO Shillong, along with its six AROs strategically located in Shillong, Narangi, Jorhat, Dimapur, Silchar, and Aizawl, covering the seven North East States, has worked as a close-knit team to achieve this milestone, the release said.
The ever forthcoming support from HQ Eastern Command and its formations, and the civil administration, acted as a force multiplier in the quest for selecting the best.
The Zone has carved a niche for itself through sustained efforts and reinforcing that the Zone is "Second to None". This has been possible through sheer dedication and devotion and a selfless approach towards ensuring recruitment of the "Fittest ones for the Finest Army", the release noted.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries attended the 78th Army Day celebrations being held in Rajasthan's Jaipur on Thursday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Army Chief General Upendra Trivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, were also present for the occasion.
The parade was held on Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time it has been held outside the cantonment area.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartwarming to see the youth from the North East answering the call of duty in such numbers. The team at ZRO Shillong deserves this recognition. More power to them!
While the achievement is commendable, I hope the focus on "fittest ones" also includes robust post-recruitment support, career guidance, and ensuring no regional bias exists within the forces. The intent must match the execution.
It is an honour to receive this on behalf of the entire team. The youth of the North East are brave, disciplined, and eager to serve. We simply showed them the path. Proud moment for all of us in Shillong.
Great job! This is true nation-building. When our armed forces become more representative of all regions, it strengthens national unity. Kudos to the outreach teams working in remote districts.
Interesting to see the parade held outside the cantonment area in Jaipur. Seems like a good move for public engagement. The recruitment stats from the North East are impressive.
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