Pune, 14 January 2026

Air Force Station Pune hosted the 10th ‘Defence Forces Veterans Day’ on 14 January 2026 to honour the legacy and yeoman service of Late Field Marshal K M Cariappa, OBE, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India’s military history, Field Marshal Cariappa led the forces to victory in the 1947 War and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline and patriotism. The day reaffirmed the nation’s deep respect and gratitude towards its veterans and strengthened the bond among serving personnel, veterans and citizens. A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted as a mark of homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Approximately 4,200 veterans of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force attended the event.

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Chandrakant Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, who attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Southern Command; Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Commandant, National Defence Academy (NDA); Air Vice Marshal Gurjot Singh Bhullar, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration (SOA), South Western Air Command; and Air Commodore Satbir Singh Rai, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Force Station Pune, along with senior officers of the Defence Forces. The Chief Guest, in his address, acknowledged the dedication, discipline and sacrifice of veterans and assured continued institutional support towards their welfare. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander, and Air Commodore Satbir Singh Rai, AOC, highlighted important welfare measures undertaken by various agencies for veterans. During interactions, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to the veterans for their service to the motherland and their selfless contribution to nation-building.

The key focus of the Veterans Day celebration was to enhance awareness among veterans and their dependents on issues pertaining to pensions, grievances, financial assistance, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and various other welfare schemes. Veterans and their dependents were encouraged to project their problems, concerns and suggestions during the programme. Informative lectures were conducted by the Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) and the Zila Sainik Kalyan Board.

The celebration reaffirmed the resolve of the authorities to continuously improve outreach, strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and ensure that veterans and their families receive the respect, care and support they rightfully deserve.

 

PIB Pune | Ankush Chavan / Priti Malandkar

 

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