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NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh on Tuesday reviewed the overall preparedness of Pune-based Southern Army Command and held interactions with senior officials there over various issues and challenges being faced by the force.

On a two-day tour to the Southern Command, General Singh will be visiting National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla and Bhopal-based Sudarshan Chakra Corps.

"The Army Chief interacted with senior functionaries of Southern Command and addressed the officers on contemporary challenges facing the Army. He was accompanied by Southern Army Commander Lt Gen A K Singh," officials said here.

He also underlined the importance of collective efforts by everyone in overcoming these challenges and requirement of maintaining the highest standards of operational preparedness and discipline among officers and men, they added.

Reiterating the Army's ethos of commitment and professionalism, Gen Singh also emphasised on value-based leadership aimed at the welfare of jawans.

Interestingly, in a first-of-its kind, Gen Singh's address was relayed through a real time video link to approx 3,000 officers and men in 24 stations of the Southern Command.

During his interaction with ex-servicemen, the Army Chief assured them of concerted effort towards amelioration of their problems during this year which has been designated as the 'Year of Veterans'.

After visiting the NDA on Wednesday, Gen Singh will proceed to Bhopal where he will review the operational preparedness of Sudarshan Chakra Corps and address all army officers of Bhopal military station.

He will also call upon Governor of Madhya Pradesh Ram Naresh Yadav later on Wednesday.