Diplomat Correspondent
Kupwara: Indian Defence Forces Veterans’ Day is celebrated every year on 14 Jan to commemorate superannuation of First Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal KM Cariappa.
The day celebrates the indomitable spirit and service of soldiers who had served the Nation with pride.
Defence Forces Veterans Day was organised by Indian Army at Drugmulla on 14 Jan 2026 with a theme ‘From Battlefield to Nation Building: Veterans as Pillars of Progress.
Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara District was the chief guest. In addition, other senior officials, veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris and Gallantry awardees also attended the same.
The event witnessed considerable attendance despite inclement weather conditions in the Kashmir Valley, displaying everlasting grit and determination of a soldier.
A total of 500 veterans and 20 Veer Naris attended the event.
The event was aimed to celebrate their service to the nation and an opportunity was also leveraged to provide first-hand information on various welfare schemes and redressal of problems being faced by the veterans and Veer Naris.
The attendees were informed about various welfare projects being undertaken by the Central and State Government.
In order to felicitate instant mitigation; various stalls were established by Community Service Centre, ECHS, Zila Sainik Board, Military Hospital, JAK LI Records and National Banks.
The Deputy Commissioner felicitated the Veterans and Veer Naris.
He expressed his gratitude towards the war heroes, who had made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and assured the attendees of continuous assistance from the Army. The veterans from their side promised to be the Pillars of Progress in Nation Building.DD