Srinagar, 14 Jan 2024: In a momentous occasion, Northern Army Commander, Lt
Gen Upendra Dwivedi, AVSM, 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.
Despite challenging weather conditions, 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.
