Srinagar: In a momentous occasion, Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, felicitated Veterans who have devoted their lives to the service of the nation, at a grand event marking the 8th Armed Forces Veterans Day.
The ceremony took place at the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Srinagar, Kashmir. This historic celebration, showcased the unwavering camaraderie between retired and serving soldiers, reaffirming the bond that unites them, a defence spokesman said in a statement issued here.
The spokesman said that the event witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 700 Armed Forces Veterans, Veer Naris, and representatives of the Ex-Servicemen community, displaying remarkable grit and determination. The occasion served as a poignant tribute to the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and selflessly served the Nation.
Addressing the rally, the Army Commander encouraged the veterans to leverage the presence of the ECHS, Record Office, and AWPO teams to address their concerns. He highlighted various welfare initiatives under Sadhbhavana, including infrastructure development, medical care, woman & youth empowerment, educational tourism, sports tournaments & selected sponsorship to youth for degree courses & school education under AWES. He highlighted that Indian Army and the Government have been pursuing the issue of jobs for the veterans under various schemes.
The Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day, celebrated annually on 14th January, pays homage to the exceptional services of Field Marshal K M Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
The two-day Veterans rally in Kashmir included a poignant candlelit wreath-laying ceremony at the Chinar War Memorial, where veterans and serving soldiers came together to commemorate and remember the martyrs. This heartfelt gesture underscored the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to honouring the brave hearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
