India Observes 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day with Nationwide Events

India Observes 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day, Honouring Lifelong Service of Ex-Servicemen

India commemorated the 10th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day on January 14, 2026 , with events held across States and Union Territories to honour the service, sacrifice and continuing role of ex-servicemen. Rallies, wreath-laying ceremonies, grievance redressal camps and facilitation desks highlighted the nation’s institutional commitment towards the welfare and dignity of veterans.

National ceremony at Manekshaw Centre

The main national event was organised at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt. Addressing nearly 2,500 veterans from Delhi and the NCR, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh described veterans as enduring custodians of national values.

He emphasised that military service does not end with retirement and encouraged veterans to mentor youth and Agniveers, support civil authorities during emergencies, and nurture a spirit of patriotism at the grassroots level. According to him, the discipline and experience of ex-servicemen remain vital national assets.

Tribute to Operation Pawan and IPKF Veterans

The Defence Minister paid special tribute to personnel who served in Operation Pawan as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka. He acknowledged that their bravery and sacrifices were not adequately recognised in the past. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi , the government has formally acknowledged the contribution of the IPKF, including commemorative recognition at the National War Memorial, addressing a long-standing historical omission.

Focus on Veterans’ Welfare Measures

Highlighting government initiatives, Rajnath Singh reiterated the importance of One Rank One Pension (OROP) in ensuring pension parity for veterans of the same rank and service length. He also referred to the expansion of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, with growing emphasis on telemedicine, rural healthcare outreach, skill development, employment opportunities in public sector enterprises and promotion of veteran-led entrepreneurship to ensure self-reliance after retirement.

Important Facts for Exams

• Defence Forces Veterans’ Day is observed annually on 14 January .

• It marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa in 1953.

• One Rank One Pension ensures uniform pension for equal rank and service.

• ECHS provides healthcare coverage to over 64 lakh beneficiaries.

Nationwide Outreach and Participation

Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi noted that around 60,000 personnel retire every year , creating a veteran population of nearly 3.5 million . Senior military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan , attended the central event.

Across the country, veterans’ rallies and outreach programmes were organised in cities such as Amritsar, Pune, Guwahati and Kochi, coordinated by Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards. These initiatives focused on grievance redressal, welfare awareness and reinforcing the enduring bond between the armed forces and society.