Port Blair, Jan 22: The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is celebrated on 14th January every year. On this day in 1953, the First Indian Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who led the Indian Forces to victory in the 1947 war, formally retired from the service. The Veterans’ Day has been commemorated since 2017 and is dedicated to the esteemed veterans of the country.
As a mark of respect to the selfless duty of the ex-servicemen towards the Nation and expressing solidarity towards Next of Kin of the brave hearts, the seventh Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated in the Andaman and Nicobar Command on 20 Jan 23. Lt Gen Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He interacted with all the veterans and acknowledged their contribution in preserving the Nation’s sovereignty and extended his gratitude for the sacrifices made by them in service to the Nation, and the powering one of service ethos and professional issues with their value addition.
A number of activities were conducted to felicitate the veterans. Towards this, an ECHS queries camp was set up to resolve any health related issues of the veterans. ‘One stop Help Desks’ of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force were also set up at the venue to aid speedy resolution of any issues. Representatives of ECHS and Rajya Sainik Board took active part in the event. Lectures and presentations were undertaken to increase awareness on various policies and initiatives in order to keep them abreast with the latest policies in vogue.
The veterans appreciated the formal connection with their brethren in arms whilst refreshing and cherishing memories of their uniformed service. Proactive measures taken towards redressal of issues on the spot were well appreciated by the Veterans.