Tri-Service Tribute At Pune Air Force Station As 5,000 Veterans Gather For Veterans Day

The Pune Air Force Station celebrated the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day on Wednesday with a dignified tri-service ceremony honouring India’s ex-servicemen and fallen war heroes.

Around 5,000 veterans from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force participated in the event, along with serving personnel and family members. The large gathering reflected the shared bond of service and sacrifice that unites the three armed forces.

Every year, January 14 is being celebrated as Defence Forces Veterans Day to commemorate the legacy of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this date in 1953.

The event began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to pay tribute to soldiers who laid down their

lives in the line of duty. Veterans and serving officers stood together in remembrance of their fallen comrades, setting a respectful tone for the day.

Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil attended the event as Chief Guest. Senior military leaders present included Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command; Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Commandant of the National Defence Academy; Air Vice Marshal Gurjot Singh Bhullar of the South Western Air Command; and Air Commodore Satbir Singh Rai, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Pune.

Addressing the gathering, Patil praised the discipline, courage and lifelong commitment of veterans to the nation. He assured continued support from institutions and the government to address their welfare needs. Senior military leaders also acknowledged the vital role played by veterans in safeguarding the nation and mentoring future generations.

A key focus of the programme was awareness and outreach. Veterans and their families were briefed on pensions, grievance redressal mechanisms, financial assistance and healthcare benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Interactive sessions enabled veterans to raise concerns directly with officials.

Representatives from the Directorate of Air Veterans, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts and the Zila Sainik Kalyan Board provided guidance on documentation, pension matters and welfare schemes, with special emphasis on support for widows, elderly veterans and those facing medical or administrative challenges.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment by the armed forces and civil authorities to strengthen veteran outreach, improve grievance redressal and ensure that ex-servicemen and their families continue to receive the respect and support they have earned through their service to the nation.