Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 14: Armed Forces Veterans Day’ was commemorated today to honour selfless devotion and sacrifice of our veterans from Tri-services.
On 14 Jan 1953 first Indian Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal KM Cariappa retired, hence this day is commemorated as `Veterans Day’. On this day, the Nation acknowledges the services rendered by veterans and to remember sacrifices made by Veterans and soldiers in uniform, to ensure the integrity of borders.
The veterans were honoured in a function organised at Balidan Stambh, Jammu which commenced with wreath laying by the chief guest, Farooq Khan, Advisor to Lt Governor. Six `Veer Naris’ were adopted by citizens, so that they feel connected to the society. The citizens and students from Scouts and Guide/NCC pledged to work in close conjunction with Armed Forces/ Martyrs/ their families, to spread awareness regarding security, cleanliness of environment and to work for anti-drug addiction campaign. `Veer Naris’ were felicitated by Red Cross and wheel chair donated to ESM by SS Jain Sabha (Talab Tillo).
Director Sainik Welfare Deptt (J&K), Brig Harcharan Singh, mentioned that a wreath was also laid by the oldest Veteran, Col Punjab Singh. Veterans spend their youth in service of Nation and now also they are contributing irrespective of their age. To get associated with the families of soldiers, NGOs/citizens have adopted these families to give them moral support. Veer Naris were adopted by Indu Chib (DC Reasi) and members of Jain Mahila Morcha, (Talab Tillo), Sunanda Jain, Chhaya Jain, Rashmi Jain, Geetu Jain and Sonika Jain. Home for Old and Infirm (Jammu) is providing pension to fifty non-pensioner widows, as they do not get regular pension. A patriotic song was presented by Shally Jain. Jai Hind Foundation members participated enthusiastically with Tricolor in their hands. Rotary Distt 3070 was present with all officials/club members.
Farooq Khan appreciated the spirit of National unity, dedication and sacrifice exhibited by Veterans. He insisted that there is a requirement by the citizens/NGOs to keep in touch with Veterans and Martyrs families and draw lessons from their rich experience. The students would get motivation listening to these stories of valour and sacrifice. He said that the administration will give priority and support to resolve problems being faced by Veterans /families of Martyrs.
Meanwhile, the Tiger Division commemorated 4th Tri-services Veterans Day today by paying homage to the martyrs. The wreath laying ceremony was conducted in remembrance of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the war.
Sabre Brigade of Rising Star Corps organised Veterans Day at Ratnuchak Military Station in an effort to reach out to the Veterans and Veer Naris from Ratnuchak, Birpur and Purmandal area. The event was organised as a part of Army’s efforts to assist its veterans in all spheres of post retirement life.
A Veteran Sahayata Kendra, Unit run canteen and a medical desk were established at the venue to address the concerns of the Veterans. They were also educated on the lattest Government policies and entitlement of the Veterans.
The Army also celebrated `Veterans Day’ at Govt Higher Secondary Manjakote in Rajouri district. During the event, veterans were acquainted with various schemes and welfare programmes being run by State and Central Governments. The purpose was to educate the Veterans and their families about the welfare schemes launched by Govt for them and their families.
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