- Defence Minister leads national tribute to courage, sacrifice and lifelong service of ex-servicemen
- Veterans hailed as pillars of national consciousness and mentors for India’s youth
- Operation Pawan heroes remembered as government restores long-overdue honour
- OROP, healthcare expansion and resettlement initiatives reaffirm veterans-first resolve
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 15
India paid solemn tribute to the valour, sacrifice and unwavering service of its ex-servicemen while observing the 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day on Wednesday, with a series of commemorative events held across the country.
Veterans’ rallies, wreath-laying ceremonies, grievance redressal counters and facilitation help desks were organised pan-India, reflecting the nation’s collective gratitude towards its former soldiers. The main national event was held at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, where around 2,500 veterans from Delhi-NCR participated.
Veterans: the moral compass of the nation
Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh paid glowing tributes to ex-servicemen, describing them as “living pillars of national consciousness, symbols of collective courage and an enduring inspiration for future generations.”
He urged veterans to actively guide the youth, mentor Agniveers and young soldiers, assist civil administration during emergencies, promote social harmony and strengthen patriotism at the grassroots.
“Today, India is rapidly moving towards becoming a strong, self-reliant and developed nation. At such a time, the experience, leadership and values of veterans are invaluable assets to the country,” the Defence Minister said.
“Whether it is education, skill development, disaster management, community leadership or innovation, your participation can leave a lasting impact on future generations.”
Operation Pawan heroes finally honoured
The Defence Minister paid special homage to the brave ex-servicemen who were part of Operation Pawan, undertaken by the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago.
“During the operation, Indian forces displayed extraordinary courage. Many soldiers laid down their lives. Their valour, sacrifices and struggles did not receive the respect they deserved,” he said.
He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken decisive steps to openly acknowledge and institutionalise recognition of IPKF veterans.
“When the Prime Minister visited Sri Lanka in 2015, he paid homage to the IPKF soldiers at the memorial. Today, their contributions are also being recognised at the National War Memorial, ensuring they receive the honour they truly deserve,” he added.
A soldier never truly retires
Highlighting the lifelong spirit of service embodied by ex-servicemen, Shri Rajnath Singh said:
“You spend the golden years of your lives on mountain peaks, scorching sands and dense forests. A soldier never truly retires. The uniform may change, but the spirit of patriotism and service remains the same.”
Reiterating the government’s moral and emotional responsibility towards veterans, he underlined welfare initiatives such as One Rank One Pension (OROP) and the strengthening of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
“OROP has not only brought financial stability but also strengthened veterans’ faith that the nation treats them fairly. There can be no compromise on the health of those who safeguarded national interests,” he said, adding that telemedicine and rural healthcare outreach are being expanded.
Dignity, self-reliance and second careers
The Defence Minister stressed that post-retirement life must be one of dignity and self-reliance, noting the government’s focus on resettlement, skill development and entrepreneurship for veterans.
“Ex-servicemen are being trained in new skills, prioritised in public enterprises and recognised in the private sector for their discipline, leadership and integrity. Veterans who wish to start businesses are being actively encouraged,” he said.
Veterans’ welfare a national responsibility
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Smt. Sukriti Likhi described Veterans’ Day as “a reminder that the bond between the nation and its soldiers never ends.”
She noted that nearly 60,000 soldiers retire every year, resulting in around 3.5 million veterans, making welfare a collective national responsibility.
“Veterans bring immense experience, leadership and a sense of duty. It is our responsibility to ensure they live with dignity and self-respect,” she said, adding that ECHS now serves 64 lakh beneficiaries and multiple reforms have improved pensions, grants and resettlement programmes.
Nationwide observance and senior leadership presence
Veterans’ rallies and wreath-laying ceremonies were held across Rajouri, Amritsar, Lucknow, Ranchi, Guwahati, Pune, Goa and Kochi, among others. The 34 Rajya Sainik Boards and 434 Zila Sainik Boards coordinated events nationwide.
Senior defence leadership present included Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, former Service Chiefs and numerous veterans.
Annual magazines SAMMAAN, SAGAR SAMVAD and VAYU SAMVEDNA, published by the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Directorates respectively, were also released.
The day is observed every year on January 14 to honour the legacy of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief, who retired on this date in 1953.
