The 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated in an emotional atmosphere on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) at the Air Force Station in Pune, Maharashtra. This day is dedicated to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, late Field Marshal K. Dedicated to the memory of M. Cariappa, who retired on January 14, 1953. About 5,000 ex-servicemen, serving soldiers and their families of Army, Navy and Air Force participated in the program organized at Air Force Station, Pune.
The program started with paying tribute to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the country. The atmosphere was emotional and full of pride during the wreath laying, where all the people present paid tribute to the martyrs.
Many senior army officers including Maharashtra minister were present.
On this occasion, Higher and Technical Education Minister of Maharashtra Chandrakant Patil was present as the chief guest. Along with him, many senior military officers also participated in the program, among which General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, Commandant of National Defense Academy Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration of South Western Air Command Air Vice Marshal Gurjot Singh Bhullar and Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Pune Air Commodore Satbir Singh Rai were prominently present.
Maharashtra minister addressed the program
Chief guest Chandrakant Patil in his address said that the discipline, sacrifice and dedication of ex-servicemen towards the nation is an inspiration for the coming generations. He assured all possible cooperation from the government for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.
During the program, senior military officers gave information about various welfare schemes run for ex-servicemen. These included schemes like pension, health facilities, grievance redressal, financial assistance and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Ex-servicemen told their problems on the spot and gave suggestions
In the dialogue sessions organized under Veterans Day, ex-servicemen got the opportunity to present their problems and suggestions directly to the officials. During this, officials of Directorate of Air Veterans, Principal Controller of Defense Accounts and District Sainik Welfare Board shared information related to the schemes.
Special support is being given through Tri-Service – General Dheeraj Seth
Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, said that through Tri-Seva, ex-servicemen and their dependents are being provided health services, documentary support, quick resolution of complaints, ECHS outreach, life certificate renewal and special support to widows and senior ex-servicemen. The program concluded with the pledge that every soldier and his family who has served the country will continue to receive respect, support and timely assistance.
