On January 14, 2025, India observed the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day with events across the country, honoring the valiant service of ex-servicemen. Celebrations included veterans’ rallies and wreath-laying ceremonies in cities such as Jammu, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Bareilly, Jaipur, and Siliguri. The day also reinforced support for the families of the bravehearts who served the nation.
Key Event in Akhnoor, Jammu
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led the celebrations by addressing over 1,000 ex-servicemen at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, Jammu. In his address, Shri Singh expressed profound gratitude for the unmatched dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, both retired and serving.
He highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting soldiers and their families, stating:
“The government stands with soldiers at every step and will always work beyond its capacity for their welfare.”
Reaffirming Jammu & Kashmir’s Integral Role
The Raksha Mantri reiterated the government’s stance on Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing its permanent and integral status within India. He noted the abrogation of Article 370 as a pivotal step in bridging the gap between J&K and the rest of the country. He also described Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as India’s “crown jewel,” reiterating that it is “nothing more than a foreign territory to Pakistan.”
Shri Singh accused Pakistan of using PoK for terrorist activities, including training camps and launch pads, and called on the neighboring nation to cease its “nefarious designs.”
Highlights of the Celebration
1. National Flag Hoisting and Museum Inauguration
Shri Rajnath Singh hoisted a 108-foot National Flag.
He inaugurated the ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum,’ showcasing the rich history and culture of the region.
2. Veterans’ Welfare
Mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs and scooters, were distributed to ex-servicemen.
Over 40 stalls by Records Offices, welfare organizations, banks, and employment agencies provided grievance redressal and awareness services.
3. Diamond Jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak War
Shri Singh commemorated the valor and sacrifice of the Armed Forces during the 1965 war and highlighted the continued rejection of Pakistan’s attempts to disrupt peace in J&K.
Other Locations of Celebration
Mumbai:
Rajya Raksha Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth laid a wreath at Gaurav Stambh and addressed a rally at INSI Sagar, interacting with 400 veterans.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi was also present.
Pune:
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presided over a Veterans’ Day event.
New Delhi:
Chief of the Air Staff and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew, along with Vice Chiefs of the Army and Navy, graced the celebrations.
Significance of Armed Forces Veterans’ Day
The day is celebrated annually on January 14 to honor the service of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who retired on this day in 1953. First observed in 2016, the event has become a platform to express gratitude to ex-servicemen and their families.
The 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of India’s veterans, reaffirming the government’s commitment to their welfare and the nation’s solidarity with its Armed Forces.
