10th Defence Forces Veterans Day Celebrated at Air Force Station Pune Honouring India’s Brave Veterans

Air Force Station Pune hosted the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day, bringing together thousands of veterans and senior leaders to honour service, sacrifice, and welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen.

January 14, 2026 | Pune – Air Force Station Pune proudly hosted the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day, marking the historic retirement anniversary of Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, one of India’s most respected military leaders. Field Marshal Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, retired on this day in 1953 after laying the foundation of a professional, disciplined, and patriotic armed force that led the nation to victory in the 1947 war.

The event served as a powerful tribute to the courage, dedication, and lifelong service of India’s veterans. It brought together serving personnel, veterans, and their families in a shared expression of gratitude and respect. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted to honour the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation. The large-scale event witnessed the participation of approximately 5,000 veterans from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, making it one of the most significant veteran gatherings in the region.

The celebration was graced by Shri Chandrakant Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, who attended as the Chief Guest. His presence highlighted the state government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by defence personnel and their families. The occasion was further dignified by the presence of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, reflecting the Indian Army’s continued commitment to veteran welfare.

Senior leadership from all three Services attended the programme, including Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Commandant of the 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. Their presence underscored the unified, tri-service approach toward honouring and supporting veterans.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest praised the discipline, dedication, and sacrifice of veterans and assured them of sustained institutional support for their welfare. Senior military leaders highlighted various welfare initiatives undertaken by defence and civil agencies to address the needs of veterans. During interactions with attendees, the leadership expressed heartfelt appreciation for the veterans’ invaluable contribution to nation-building.

A major focus of the Veterans Day celebration was awareness and outreach. Veterans and their dependents were briefed on matters related to pensions, grievance redressal mechanisms, financial assistance, and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. They were encouraged to raise concerns and share suggestions directly with authorities. Informative sessions were conducted by the Directorate of Air Veterans, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, and the Zila Sainik Kalyan Board.

The Indian Army’s Southern Command has been at the forefront of driving tri-service veteran welfare initiatives through a practical and service-oriented approach. With an extensive network of ECHS polyclinics, welfare camps, and veteran interaction programmes, the focus has remained on timely grievance resolution and simplified access to essential services. Special attention has been given to elderly veterans and widows through assisted documentation, life certificate facilitation, and coordination with civil authorities.

The Veterans Day celebration reaffirmed the collective resolve of all stakeholders to strengthen outreach, improve grievance redressal systems, and ensure that veterans and their families continue to receive the dignity, care, and support they truly deserve.

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