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

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 around 5,000 veterans of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, along with serving personnel and family members, in a collective tribute to the nation’s armed forces.

The commemorations began solemnly and respectfully with a wreath-laying ceremony honouring soldiers who gave their lives in defence of the country.

The event was attended by Shri 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.

Speaking to the gathering, the Chief Guest expressed ongoing institutional support for the welfare of veterans while praising their commitment, self-control, and sacrifices. In addition to expressing gratitude for their selfless service to the country, senior military leaders highlighted important welfare programs implemented for veterans and their families.

Increasing veterans' and their dependents' knowledge of issues about pensions, grievance redress, financial aid, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and other welfare programs was a primary goal of the Veterans Day celebration. During interactive sessions, veterans were encouraged to voice their concerns and recommendations. Detailed briefings were given by representatives of the Zila Sainik Kalyan Board, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), and the Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV).

The Indian Army's Southern Command discussed its tri-service efforts to enhance veteran welfare by streamlining the process for accessing medical care, resolving complaints, and obtaining necessary paperwork. These efforts include ECHS outreach, welfare camps, renewing life certificates, and helping widows and senior veterans.

As the celebration came to a close, the authorities reaffirmed their commitment to reaching out to more people, improving the way complaints are handled, and ensuring that veterans and their families receive the respect, care, and assistance they deserve.