The nation on Wednesday paid rich tributes to the valour, sacrifices and lifelong service of ex-servicemen on the 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day, with a series of events held across the country to honour those who have safeguarded India’s security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh graced the main celebrations at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, where around 2,500 veterans from Delhi and the National Capital Region participated. Veterans’ rallies, wreath-laying ceremonies, grievance redressal counters and facilitation help desks were organised pan-India as part of the commemorations.
Addressing the gathering, Singh described ex-servicemen as “living pillars of national consciousness,” symbols of collective courage and a 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.
“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,” the Defence Minister said, adding that society – especially the youth – has much to learn from their discipline, resilience and sense of duty.
The Defence Minister paid special tribute to ex-servicemen who were part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago. He acknowledged that their courage and sacrifices did not receive due recognition earlier, but noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is formally recognising their contributions, including at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare, Singh highlighted steps such as the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and the strengthening of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). He said the expansion of telemedicine and healthcare facilities to villages and remote areas aims to ensure that age or distance does not hinder access to treatment for veterans.
The Defence Minister also emphasised rehabilitation and post-retirement opportunities for ex-servicemen, including skill development, priority employment in public enterprises, encouragement for entrepreneurship and tailored welfare schemes covering housing and loans. “A soldier never truly retires. The uniform may change, but the spirit of patriotism and service remains the same,” he said.
Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi described Veterans’ Day as a reminder of the enduring bond between the nation and its soldiers. She noted that around 60,000 personnel retire annually, taking the total veteran population to about 3.5 million, underscoring the scale of responsibility towards their welfare. She highlighted improvements in pension delivery, increased grants, expanded resettlement and training programmes, and the ECHS network now serving about 64 lakh beneficiaries.
Senior defence leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and other serving and former chiefs attended the event. Annual magazines SAMMAAN, SAGAR SAMVAD and VAYU SAMVEDNA were also released on the occasion.
Veterans’ Day is observed every year on January 14 to honour the legacy and service of K. M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953.
