The Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated annually on January 14th to commemorate the superannuation of the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. This day honors the indomitable spirit and service of soldiers who have served the nation with pride.
The Armed Forces Veterans Day was organized under the aegis of the Chinar Corps at the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Srinagar on January 14, 2025. Major General Dhananjay Joshi, VSM, GOC V Force, along with Brigadier Ved Beniwal, Commandant of the JAK LI Regimental Centre, and other senior officials, veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and gallantry awardees attended the event. Shri Rajnath Singh, the Honorable Defence Minister, addressed the veterans and Veer Matas/Naris through video conferencing from Akhnoor.
Despite inclement weather conditions in the Kashmir Valley, the event witnessed considerable attendance, demonstrating the everlasting grit and determination of soldiers. A total of 143 veterans, 40 Veer Matas/Veer Naris, and 2 wards of war heroes/veterans were present.
The event aimed to celebrate the service of these individuals to the nation. Additionally, it provided an opportunity to offer first-hand information on various welfare schemes and address challenges faced by veterans and Veer Naris. Attendees were informed about different welfare projects being undertaken by the central and state governments. To facilitate immediate assistance, various stalls were set up by organizations such as the ECHS, AWPO, DZR(NC), DPDO, Medical Camp, Zila Sainik Welfare Board, JAK LI Records, and banks.
Major General Dhananjay Joshi, VSM, GOC V Force, felicitated the veterans, Veer Matas, and Veer Naris, expressing his gratitude to the war heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He assured the attendees of continued assistance from the Army.
