Pune: 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day Marked At Air Force Station With Participation Of 4,200 VeteransÂ
Pune: 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day Marked At Air Force Station With Participation Of 4,200 Veterans
Pune, 14 January 2026: Air Force Station Pune hosted the 10th ‘Defence Forces Veterans Day on 14 January 26 to honour the legacy and yeoman service of Late Field Marshal KM Cariapaa, 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 Cariapаа led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline and patriotism.
The day reaffirms the nation’s deep respect and gratitude towards its veterans & strengthens the bond among the service 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 4200 veterans of the Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force attended the event.
The event was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Higher and technical education Maharashtra Shri Chandrakant Patil, who attended the occasion as 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 defence forces. The Chief Guest, in his address, acknowledged the dedication, discipline and sacrifice of veterans and assured continued support towards their welfare. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander and Satbir Singh Rai, AOC highlighted important welfare measures undertaken by various agencies for veterans. During interaction, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to the veterans for their service to the motherland and their selfless service in nation building.
The key focus of Veterans Day celebration was enhancing awareness among veterans and their dependents on issues pertaining to pensions, grievances, financial assistance, Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) scheme and various welfare schemes. Veterans and their dependents were encouraged to project their problems, concerns and suggestions during the programme. Lectures were conducted by Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) and Zila Sainik Kalyan Board.
The celebration reaffirmed the resolve of the authorities to continuously improve outreach, strengthen grievance redressal mechanism and ensure that veterans and their families receive the respect, care and support they rightfully deserve.
