Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, the General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps, inaugurated the Operation Sadbhavana Project, which includes a “Multipurpose Community Hall and Carpentry & Carving Centre” at Heirok Village, Thoubal District. The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials, troops, ex-servicemen, and local villagers, highlighting a community endeavor aimed at progress and stability in the region.
The new Multipurpose Community Hall is strategically positioned near the village playground and is designed to facilitate social gatherings, youth activities, awareness programs, and community interactions. It features modern amenities, such as a false ceiling and toilet facilities, providing a conducive venue for sports training and public events, thereby promoting unity and constructive engagement in the local population, as noted in a press release by PRO IGAR(S).
In tandem with this initiative, the Carpentry & Carving Centre intends to leverage the youth’s traditional craftsmanship in Heirok. By offering structured training, modern tools, and market access, the centre aims to generate sustainable livelihoods, preserve indigenous art forms, and foster entrepreneurship. The initiative will particularly focus on employing unemployed youth and women, thereby facilitating financial self-reliance and skill enhancement.
Lt Gen Pendharkar also took the opportunity to connect with ex-servicemen from Chandel District, expressing appreciation for their dedicated service and encouraging them to mentor younger individuals. The inauguration event was met with enthusiastic support from villagers, women’s groups, and the youth, who recognized the project as an essential asset for the community’s growth and livelihood improvement, as communicated in the press release.