Celebrate Armed Force Veterans Day on 14th January

Posted On: 2023-01-13 17:54:07

Since 2017, 14th January has been celebrated as Armed Force Veterans Day in India. It is celebrated in the honour of Field Marshal KM Cariappa OBE, the first Indian Commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. KM Cariappa retired on 14th January 1953, and hence the event falls on this day.

 

One can talk for days about KM Cariappa’s bravery and wit. He is one of the only two Indian Army officers to hold the five-star rank field marshal, the distinction he shares with Sam Mankeshaw. He was the first Indian to enrol in Staff College in Quetta, first Indian to command a battalion, and one of the first two Indians to be selected to train at the prestigious Imperial Defence College in Camberley. His service to the nation didn’t stop after retirement, as he founded Indian Ex-Servicemen League (IELS) in 1964, to promote the welfare of Indian veterans. In his career spanning three decades, KM Cariappa stood as a pillar of bravery and wits. 

 

 

Indian Armed Force Veterans Day is celebrated across the country to commemorate the sacrifices made by our veterans. Last year, a celebration was held at Manekshaw Center, Delhi Cantt, in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.Hari Kumar. Numerous such events are held across the country. 

 

While these events are being held, you as a citizen can also make contributions to the welfare of the veterans on this auspicious occasion. Here are some of the NGOs actively working that you can support on this day:

 

1.  Sainik Welfare Organisation (SWO)

 

Created by ex-servicemen, SWO dedicates itself to the cause of making our veterans financially independent. They provide employment opportunities to the ones who have fought for our country and provide housing services for them. It also helps the widows of our soldiers. 

 

2. Lakshya Foundation

 

Started by some selfless volunteers, this body organises events dedicated to tell the tales of the bravery of our Indian soldiers. They use their platforms to create awareness and empathy for our armed forces. They also shed light on the plight of soldiers and their gallant sacrifices.

 

3. Veer Nari Shakti Foundation

 

The battle is not only fought on the fields, but also in the hearts of the family members, who have bravely sent their family to fight for our country. Veer Nari Shakti aims to provide relief to such families. Since the last 21 years, Veer Nari Shakti Foundation has been an exemplary NGO which has supported hundreds of families who have lost their loved ones in service to their country.

 

4. Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center

 

Most of the time, our soldiers sustain injuries which scar them for life. Their lives become distraught in such crucial circumstances. Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre provides relief and medical care to such soldiers who have been wounded to make sure that we get sound sleep at night. 

 

5. Vasantharatna Foundation of Arts (VRFA)

 

VRFA was started by Subhashini Vasanth, in tribute to her husband, Late Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, who was martyred while fighting insurgents at Jammu and Kashmir. VRFA identifies the families of martyrs and their needs, provides scholarships, job placement, legal counselling and vocational training to the family members of Indian soldiers. 

 

So, this 14th of January, hurl your tiranga and celebrate the bravery and grit of our jawaans serving in the borders, and make sure to look after the ones who have fought previously for our peace and security. 

 

Author: Adil Sayyad