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Indian Army Honors Veterans in Shimla, Launches Project NAMAN for Welfare

The Army Training Command organized the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day interaction in Shimla, presided over by Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya. The event focused on addressing veterans' welfare, pension, and entitlement issues, with an assurance of the Army's continued commitment. Project NAMAN was highlighted as a key initiative to provide a single-point digital interface for veteran services through systems like SPARSH. Five distinguished veterans were felicitated for their post-retirement contributions to society in various fields.

Key Points: Armed Forces Veterans' Day Event Held in Shimla by ARTRAC

  • Veterans' Day enhances welfare awareness
  • Project NAMAN provides digital pension interface
  • Five veterans felicitated for societal contributions
  • SPARSH system facilitates pension services
2 min read

Shimla: Indian Army Training Command holds 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day event

Lt Gen Sukriti Singh Dahiya presided over the 10th Veterans' Day in Shimla, highlighting welfare initiatives like Project NAMAN and felicitating veterans.

"no effort would be spared to resolve the genuine concerns of veterans and their families - Lt Gen Sukriti Singh Dahiya"

Shimla, January 14

The Headquarters Army Training Command organised the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day interaction in Shimla on 14 January 2026 for veterans from Shimla District.

A large number of veterans attended the event.

The event was presided over by Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, Chief of Staff, ARTRAC. In his address, the Chief of Staff highlighted that the objective of observing Veterans' Day is to enhance awareness and satisfaction among veterans by addressing issues related to their welfare, pensions, and entitlements, including those concerning their Next of Kin (NOK).

During the interaction, the Chief of Staff expressed heartfelt gratitude to the veterans for their selfless service to the Nation and assured them that the Indian Army remains committed to their welfare and well-being. He reiterated that no effort would be spared to resolve the genuine concerns of veterans and their families.

The occasion also highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen veterans' welfare. Project NAMAN, an Indian Army initiative for veterans, their families, and NOKs, focuses on facilitating welfare services through digital pension systems named SPARSH and Common Service Centres for ESM. Project NAMAN will be inaugurated in Shimla, providing a single-point interface to assist veterans and their dependents.

During the event, Lt Gen Dahiya felicitated five veterans - Col RS Parmar (Retd), Maj (Dr) Ritu Kalra (Retd), Sub Maj & Hony Lt Diwakar Dutt Sharma (Retd), Hav Mohan Lal Chauhan (Retd) & Chief Petty Offr Giteshwar - for their contribution in the fields of Hospitality, Welfare of Veer Naris, Youth Affairs, Anti-Drug Campaign, entrepreneurship and upliftment of society.

Col RS Parmar (Retd), was commissioned in Dec 1974 in 2/3 Gorkha Rifles. Post-retirement, the officer gave his valuable services at establishments for ESM welfare. He later served as a director at Bahra University, Waknaghat, where he became an inspiration for students to join the Armed Forces.

The veteran officer has empowered 11 ESMs near Theog in hospitality, transport, and agro-based industries. He regularly aids Veer Naris, their wards, and veterans with the latest instructions on pay, emoluments, SPARSH, ECHS, etc.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartwarming to see our bravehearts being honoured. Special respect to Maj (Dr) Ritu Kalra and the work for Veer Naris. Their post-retirement contributions to society are truly inspiring. We need more stories like this in the news.
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Vikram M
Good step, but execution is key. Many veterans in remote areas still face pension delays and healthcare access issues. Hope Project NAMAN reaches every district and isn't just another portal that is difficult to navigate for our older veterans.
A
Arjun K
Col Parmar's story is amazing! Empowering 11 fellow veterans into businesses after serving himself... that's the spirit. These are the real role models, not film stars. Salute to all the veterans honoured today.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Shimla, it's great to see such important events happening here. The focus on digital systems like SPARSH is crucial for the modern era. Hope the interface is user-friendly for all age groups.
K
Karthik V
The mention of addressing Next of Kin (NOK) concerns is very important. The family's sacrifice is immense. Glad to see the Army is taking a holistic view of veteran welfare. More power to ARTRAC for organising this.

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