Convener News Desk
New Delhi, Jan 14: The nation on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the valour, sacrifices and dedicated service of ex-servicemen on the occasion of the 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day, observed across the country with veterans’ rallies, wreath-laying ceremonies, grievance redressal counters and facilitation help desks.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh graced the main function at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, which saw the participation of around 2,500 veterans from Delhi and the NCR. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister described ex-servicemen as the living pillars of national consciousness, symbols of collective courage and a constant source of inspiration for future generations.
He urged veterans to continue guiding the youth, mentoring Agniveers and young soldiers, supporting civil administration during emergencies, promoting social harmony and strengthening patriotism at the grassroots. He said the experience, leadership and values of veterans are invaluable assets for India as it moves towards becoming a strong, self-reliant and developed nation.
Recalling the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who served with the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago, Rajnath Singh said their bravery and sacrifices had not received due recognition for long. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is openly acknowledging and honouring the contributions of IPKF personnel, including recognition at the National War Memorial.
The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s firm commitment to the welfare of veterans, highlighting key initiatives such as the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and strengthening of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). He said efforts are underway to expand healthcare facilities to remote areas and enhance telemedicine services so that age or distance does not become a barrier to treatment.
Rajnath Singh also emphasised rehabilitation, reskilling and employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, noting that veterans are being given priority in public enterprises, recognition in the private sector and encouragement to start their own businesses. He said the government is committed to ensuring that post-retirement life of veterans is lived with dignity and self-reliance.
Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi, in her address, said Veterans’ Day is not merely ceremonial but a reminder of the enduring bond between the nation and its soldiers. She noted that nearly 60,000 soldiers retire every year, taking the total veteran population to about 3.5 million, making their welfare a shared national responsibility.
Senior military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, former Chiefs and a large number of veterans attended the event. Annual magazines of the three services’ veterans’ directorates were also released on the occasion.
Veterans’ Day is observed every year on January 14 to honour the legacy and service of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953. (PIB)
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