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Pune Honors Veterans: Tri-Service Tribute on 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day

Air Force Station Pune hosted the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day, honoring the legacy of Field Marshal KM Cariappa and paying tribute to the nation's ex-servicemen and war heroes. The event, attended by approximately 5,000 veterans and serving personnel, featured a wreath-laying ceremony and was graced by Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil as Chief Guest. Senior military leaders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force highlighted key welfare initiatives for veterans and their families, focusing on pensions, healthcare, and grievance resolution. The celebration concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to strengthening outreach and support systems for the veteran community.

Key Points: Defence Forces Veterans Day 2024 Held at Air Force Station Pune

  • Honored legacy of Field Marshal KM Cariappa
  • Focus on veteran welfare and grievance redressal
  • Tri-service leadership in attendance
  • Awareness on pensions and healthcare schemes
2 min read

Air Force Station Pune hosts 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day with Tri-Service Tribute to Ex-Servicemen and War Heroes

Air Force Station Pune hosts 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day, honoring ex-servicemen and war heroes with tri-service tribute and welfare initiatives.

"praised the dedication, discipline and sacrifices of veterans - Chandrakant Patil"

Pune, January 14

Air Force Station Pune hosted the 10th edition of Defence Forces Veterans Day on January 14 to honour the legacy of Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, India's first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953. The event brought together approximately 5,000 veterans of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, along with serving personnel and family members, for a collective tribute to the nation's armed forces.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held to honour soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation, marking a solemn and respectful start to the commemorations.

The event was attended by Chandrakant Patil, Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister, who was the Chief Guest. Senior military leadership present on the occasion included Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command; Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Commandant, National Defence Academy; Air Vice Marshal Gurjot Singh Bhullar, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, South Western Air Command; and Air Commodore Satbir Singh Rai, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Pune, along with other senior officers from the three services.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest praised the dedication, discipline and sacrifices of veterans and assured continued institutional support for their welfare. Senior military leaders highlighted key welfare initiatives undertaken for ex-servicemen and their families and expressed gratitude for their selfless service to the nation.

A major focus of the Veterans Day celebration was to enhance awareness among veterans and their dependents on matters related to pensions, grievance redressal, financial assistance, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and other welfare programmes. Veterans were encouraged to raise their concerns and suggestions during interactive sessions. Officials from the Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) and Zila Sainik Kalyan Board conducted detailed briefings.

The Indian Army's Southern Command highlighted its tri-service efforts to improve veteran welfare through healthcare access, grievance resolution and documentation facilitation, including ECHS outreach, welfare camps, assisted life certificate renewal and support for widows and elderly veterans.

The celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of the authorities' commitment to strengthening outreach, improving grievance redressal mechanisms and ensuring that veterans and their families receive the respect, care and support they deserve.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone married to a retired IAF officer, I appreciate the focus on ECHS and pension briefings. These practical support systems are crucial for our veterans' families. Well done, Pune station.
V
Vikram M
Respect to all the veterans and war heroes! The tri-service approach is good. But I hope these interactive sessions lead to real action. My uncle, a 1971 war veteran, still faces delays with his medical claims sometimes.
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Priya S
So important to remember and support our ex-servicemen. They gave their youth for our safety. The assisted life certificate renewal for elderly veterans is a thoughtful initiative. More such events needed across India.
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Arjun K
Seeing 5000 veterans together must have been a powerful sight. Their discipline and sacrifice are the bedrock of our nation. We can never thank them enough. Salute!
K
Karthik V
Good step. But awareness is one thing, implementation is another. Hope the grievance redressal mechanisms they talked about are swift and effective. Our veterans deserve seamless support, not just promises.

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