Jaipur: Bikaner Military Station organised a Vibrant Village Seminar for Ex-Servicemen from the border areas of Rajasthan on 31 October 2026. The seminar aimed to strengthen civil-military coordination, enhance inter-agency cooperation and promote veterans' welfare, while harnessing the experience and valuable contributions of veterans towards the security and socio-economic development of border communities. Officers from Bikaner district participated in person, while representatives from other border districts joined through video conference.
The seminar brought together representatives of the Indian Army, civil administration and security agencies on a common platform to facilitate meaningful interaction, coordinated planning and collaborative action. It provided an opportunity to address issues concerning veterans' welfare, access to government schemes, rural development and the overall well-being of border communities. The Rural Development Department briefed participants on various Government schemes and rural development initiatives, highlighting opportunities for improving infrastructure, livelihoods, employment prospects and welfare in border villages.
The Border Security Force (BSF) sensitised participants on international border security, with particular emphasis on drone detection, monitoring, identification and timely reporting of suspicious aerial activity. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) highlighted the challenges of cross-border drug trafficking, emerging smuggling methods and preventive measures. Emphasis was laid on community vigilance, timely sharing of information and coordinated responses by security agencies and civil authorities to counter drone-enabled narcotics trafficking.
The seminar reaffirmed the Indian Army's enduring commitment to veterans' welfare, empowerment and continued engagement in nation-building. By bringing veterans, civil administration, BSF, police and other stakeholders together, the initiative promoted a whole-of-community approach towards border management, rural development and social security. The active participation of veterans underscored their invaluable role as a vital link between the Armed Forces and civil society, contributing towards secure, prosperous and resilient border villages.