Air Force Station Pune Hosts 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day Celebration
Pune : Air Force Station (AF Stn) Pune hosted the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day on January 14, 2026, commemorating the retirement anniversary of Late Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in 1953. A towering figure in India’s military history, Field Marshal Cariappa was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and played a pivotal role in leading the nation to victory in the 1947 war, laying a strong foundation of service, discipline, and patriotism.
The event brought together serving personnel, veterans, and their dependents in a collective reaffirmation of gratitude and commitment towards veterans’ welfare. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted to pay homage to brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation. Around 5,000 veterans from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force attended the celebration.
The programme was graced by Chandrakant Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command; Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Commandant, 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, along with other senior officers of the Armed Forces.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest acknowledged the dedication, discipline, and sacrifices of veterans and assured continued institutional support for their welfare. Senior military leaders highlighted various welfare initiatives undertaken for veterans and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their selfless contribution to nation-building.
A key focus of the Veterans Day celebration was to enhance awareness among veterans and their dependents on issues related to pensions, grievance redressal, financial assistance, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and other welfare schemes. Veterans were encouraged to raise concerns and share suggestions. Informative sessions were conducted by the Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), and the Zila Sainik Kalyan Board.
The Indian Army’s Southern Command has played a significant role in strengthening tri-service veteran welfare through a service-delivery-oriented approach focused on healthcare access, grievance resolution, and facilitation of essential documentation. Initiatives such as expanded ECHS polyclinics, welfare camps, assisted life-certificate renewal, outreach to widows and elderly veterans, and close coordination with civil authorities have helped ensure faster and more effective support.
The celebration concluded with a renewed resolve by the authorities to further strengthen outreach, improve grievance redressal mechanisms, and ensure that veterans and their families continue to receive the respect, care, and support they rightfully deserve.
