- Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister and senior leadership urge citizens to honour courage with meaningful contributions
- Messages highlight valour, sacrifice, and the moral duty to stand with veterans, Veer Naris and fallen heroes’ families
- Government expands financial assistance for ex-servicemen welfare; AFFD Fund powers nationwide rehabilitation programmes
- Gujarat honours Armed Forces Flag Day with symbolic tributes, reinforcing national pride and gratitude
- Income-tax exemptions, digital payment options ease public donations to strengthen soldier welfare ecosystem
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AHMEDABAD, DEC 8
Armed Forces Flag Day 2025 saw an unprecedented national expression of gratitude as the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister and senior defence leadership came together in a unified appeal urging citizens to honour India’s soldiers by contributing to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund.
The Prime Minister, paying tribute to the men and women in uniform, said their discipline, resolve and indomitable spirit “protect our people and strengthen our nation,” adding that their commitment stands as “a powerful example of duty, discipline and devotion.” He appealed to every citizen to contribute to the AFFD Fund as a mark of respect for their courage.
Across the country, Armed Forces Flag Day events reflected deep public sentiment. In Gujarat, the Sainik Welfare and Resettlement Department and the Rajya Sainik Board pinned the Armed Forces Flag on the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation in Ahmedabad. Expressing gratitude for the gesture, he wrote on X, “Heartened by the warm gesture… Through relentless sacrifices for the nation, our armed forces embody the highest values of patriotism, commitment, and valour. On this day I appeal to everyone to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund and support the veterans and the families of our martyrs.”
The Defence Minister echoed this call, saluting the valour and sacrifice of soldiers who safeguard India from external and internal threats. “Their courage safeguards our nation, and their selfless service reminds us of a debt we can never repay. I urge everyone to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund,” he said in his message.
The Minister of State for Defence highlighted the Armed Forces’ extraordinary commitment in both security operations and humanitarian missions, citing examples such as Operation Sindoor as evidence of their professionalism and courage.
Senior defence officials, including the Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, and Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi also extended greetings. They emphasised the Armed Forces’ role in safeguarding the nation, assisting in disasters, and upholding India’s security interests.
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare detailed ongoing efforts to support Veer Naris, veterans, disabled personnel, and dependents of fallen soldiers. Welfare initiatives funded through public contributions have delivered substantial impact. During 2024-25, over Rs 370 crore was disbursed to 1.78 lakh beneficiaries, alongside institutional grants to War Memorial Hostels, Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres in Kirkee and Mohali, and Cheshire Homes in Dehradun, Lucknow, and Delhi.
Significant enhancements to welfare grants came into effect on November 1, 2025:
- Penury Grant doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month
- Daughter’s Marriage Grant increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000
- Education Grant raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month per child
To encourage widespread public participation, contributions to the AFFD Fund remain exempt under Section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Donations can be made via cheque, demand draft, NEFT/RTGS, or through UPI using the ID affdf@icici, with designated bank accounts available for ease of transfer.
As India commemorates Armed Forces Flag Day, the unified message from the nation’s leadership is clear: honouring the Armed Forces is a collective duty, and every contribution strengthens the welfare, dignity, and future of those who serve.
