Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is annually celebrated across India on 14 January to honour and recognise the service of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the 1st Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Armed Forces, who retired on this day in 1953 and led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war.
- 14 January 2025 marks the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day observance.
Background:
i.The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was first celebrated in 2017.
ii.Since then the day has been commemorated by all the 3 services by hosting interactive events in honour of the Ex-Servicemen, who have selflessly served the nation.
About KM Cariappa:
i.KM Cariappa joined the British Indian Army in 1919 after the end of World War I and was commissioned as a temporary first lieutenant into the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry.
ii.Field Marshal KM Cariappa led Indian forces on the Western Front during the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War.
iii.He was appointed C-in-C of the Indian Army in 1949 and was one of only 2 Indian Army officers to hold the 5-star rank of Field Marshal.
- The other officer was Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
2025 Events:
9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is observed with programs at major military stations and cities, featuring ceremonial parades and gatherings of veterans, Veer Naris(the widows of our soldiers), and their families. Organizations such as the Army Welfare Placement Organization and the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) are dedicated to supporting and providing opportunities for these courageous women.
i.Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD) highlighted 2025 as the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, crediting India’s victory to the courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.
- He referred to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as an integral and cherished part of India, calling it the nation’s “crown jewel.”
i.Rajnath Singh hoisted a 108-foot National Flag and inaugurated the ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum,’ in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), celebrating the region’s rich history and culture.
Notable Schemes Supporting Defence Pensioners &Veterans –
- On November 7, 2015, One Rank One Pension (OROP) was implemented as a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of veterans and ex-service personnel.
- Project NAMAN (National Assistance for Military and Armed Forces Veterans) aims to support Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families. It focuses on the implementation of the System for Pension Administration Raksha (SPARSH), a digital pension system that streamlines pension processes and ensures accessible facilitation points for Veterans and Next of Kin (NOK) across India.
About Ministry of Defence(MoD):
Union Minister – Rajnath Singh (Constituency – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
Minister of State (MoS) – Sanjay Seth(Constituency- Ranchi, Jharkhand).
