10th Defence Forces Veterans Day Celebration at Air Force Station Pune on 14 Jan 26

Pune, 12 January 2026

Air Force Station Pune will be hosting the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day on 14 Jan 26. It marks the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism.

This day is dedicated to honouring and recognising the brave soldiers who served in the Indian Armed Forces. The event at Air Force Station Pune will be preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Station War Memorial to pay homage to the bravehearts for their supreme sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation.

The key focus of the Veterans Day celebration will not only be to strengthen the bond between serving personnel and veterans but also to provide a platform to address key issues such as pensions, grievances, financial assistance, the ECHS scheme, and various welfare schemes implemented for the benefit of veterans. On the day, various government agencies including the Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), and Zila Sainik Kalyan Board will set up interaction desks to assist veterans on various aspects.

To facilitate wider participation, the station has provided online registration links with event details to all veteran associations. Pickup and drop-off services have also been arranged from various locations across Pune. Veterans are encouraged to pre-register for the event and carry valid ID cards on the day. Approximately 4,000–5,000 veterans from all three services are expected to attend the Veterans' Day.

PIB Pune | Ankush Chavan / Priti Malandkar

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