Nation Honors Ex-Servicemen on 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day; Raksha Mantri Calls Them “Living Pillars of National Consciousness”
Over 2,500 veterans attend main celebration at Manekshaw Centre; pan-India events include wreath-laying ceremonies, grievance redressal counters, and facilitation help desks
New Delhi – India marked the 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day on January 14, 2026, with nationwide celebrations honoring the valor, sacrifices, and dedicated service of ex-servicemen. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh led the main commemoration at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, attended by approximately 2,500 veterans from the Delhi/NCR region.
Veterans as National Assets
In his address, the Defence Minister paid glowing tributes to veterans, describing them as living pillars of national consciousness, symbols of collective courage, and an inspiration to future generations. He emphasized the critical role ex-servicemen can play in building a strong, self-reliant, and developed India.
“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. Our society, especially the youth, need to learn from you. Whether it is education, skill development, disaster management, community leadership or the path of innovation, your participation can leave a positive and lasting impact on future generations,” Rajnath Singh told the assembled veterans.
Call to Guide the Nation
The Raksha Mantri urged veterans to actively contribute to national development by guiding youth through their experiences, providing direction to Agniveers and young soldiers, supporting civil administration during emergencies, promoting social harmony, and strengthening the spirit of patriotism at the grassroots level.
Recognition for Operation Pawan Veterans
In a significant announcement, Singh paid special tribute to ex-servicemen who participated in Operation Pawan as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka almost 40 years ago. He acknowledged that these soldiers’ contributions had not received the respect they deserved.
“During the operation, the Indian forces displayed extraordinary courage. Many soldiers laid down their lives. Their valor, sacrifices and struggles did not receive the respect they deserved. Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, our government is not only openly acknowledging the contributions of the peacekeeping soldiers who participated in Operation Pawan, but is also in the process of recognizing their contributions at every level,” the Defence Minister stated.
He noted that Prime Minister Modi paid respects to Indian soldiers at the IPKF Memorial during his 2015 Sri Lanka visit, and the government is now recognizing IPKF soldiers’ contributions at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
A Soldier Never Truly Retires
Highlighting the enduring commitment of military personnel, Singh said veterans spend the golden years of their lives on mountain peaks, in scorching sands, and humid forests, choosing service over comfort and family time.
“In reality, a soldier never truly retires. The color of the uniform may change, the workplace may change, the people around may change, but the spirit of patriotism and service remains the same. Your welfare and well-being are our moral and emotional responsibility,” he emphasized.
Government’s Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare
The Raksha Mantri reiterated the Modi government’s resolve toward veterans’ welfare, highlighting concrete steps including the fulfillment of the long-pending One Rank One Pension demand and strengthening of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
“The implementation of OROP not only brought financial stability to the lives of veterans but also bolstered their belief that the country treats them fairly. Our stance is very clear that there should be no compromise on the health of those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding national interests,” Singh stated.
He added that health facilities are being expanded beyond cities to villages and remote areas, with telemedicine consultations being scaled up to ensure age or distance do not become barriers to treatment.
Rehabilitation and Employment Focus
The Defence Minister highlighted special attention being paid to veterans’ rehabilitation and employment. Ex-servicemen are being taught new skills and given priority in public enterprises, while their discipline, leadership, and integrity are being recognized in the private sector.
“We’re encouraging veterans who want to start their own businesses. Whether it is housing schemes, loan facilities, or other welfare schemes, all of these are being tailored to the needs of veterans,” Singh said.
Social Capital and National Strength
Emphasizing the importance of societal respect for veterans, the Raksha Mantri stated that true national strength is reflected in social consciousness toward soldiers and ex-servicemen.
“The respect that our society gives to veterans is a great social capital for us that connects generations and strengthens the soul of the nation. It is a matter of pride for us that in India, the respect for soldiers does not come from any directive, but is a natural extension of our values. Our bond with the soldiers is one of the heart, trust, respect, and dreams of a shared future,” he added.
Department’s Comprehensive Efforts
Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi described Veterans’ Day as an opportunity to rekindle the nation’s collective consciousness, emphasizing that the bond between the nation and its soldiers endures forever beyond service completion.
She noted that approximately 60,000 soldiers retire annually, resulting in about 3.5 million veterans, making ex-servicemen welfare a massive national responsibility. Likhi emphasized the department’s commitment to providing timely services, with recent improvements including better pension delivery, increased Kendriya Sainik Board grants, expanded resettlement and training courses, and ECHS services now covering 64 lakh beneficiaries.
High-Level Attendance and Publications
The event was attended by 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, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, former service chiefs, and other veterans.
Yearly magazines SAMMAAN (Directorate of Indian Army Veterans), SAGAR SAMVAD (Directorate of Naval Veterans), and VAYU SAMVEDNA (Directorate of Air Veterans) were released during the ceremony.
Pan-India Celebrations
Veterans’ rallies and wreath-laying ceremonies were organized across the country, including in Rajouri, Amritsar, Lucknow, Ranchi, Guwahati, Pune, Goa, and Kochi. The 34 Rajya Sainik Boards in states and union territories, along with 434 Zila Sainik Boards, conducted various commemorative events.
Help desks and stalls set up by the three services, Defence and Government Welfare Organizations, banks, and employment agencies provided in-situ grievance redressal, facilitation, and awareness at venues nationwide.
Historical Significance
Veterans’ Day is observed annually on January 14 to honor Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953. The day serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy and yeoman service of India’s military veterans.
