Vajra Corps pays tributes to bravehearts

Jalandhar, January 15

The 76th Army Day and 8th Tri-Services Armed Forces Veterans Day were celebrated with military fervour by the Vajra Corps at Jalandhar Cantonment here today.

Began in 2017

The Veterans Day marks the retirement date of the first Indian Army Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on January 14, 1953. The Army Day celebrates his appointment for the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on January 15, 1947. The Veterans Day celebrations were initiated in 2017. Since then, the event is observed by all the three services to pay homage to their veterans who gave up the prime of their lives in the selfless service of the nation.

The event commenced with the ceremonial wreath-laying at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal of Corps Headquarters. Lt Gen Vijay B Nair, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Vajra Corps, laid a wreath to pay tribute to the bravehearts. Wreaths were also laid by the veterans representing all three services.

The GOC also distributed appointment letters to 10 veterans, who have been assisted by the Army Welfare Placement Organisation in getting jobs with the Indian Railways and industrial houses in Punjab. He also informed about the latest initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and the Service Headquarters to improve and upgrade welfare schemes benefiting the veterans and their dependents. These include implementation of OROP 2 and active considerations for hospitals pan India including one at Jalandhar to enhance medicare for the veterans.

An interaction and lunch was held at Vajra Sainik Institute. It was attended by a large number of veterans who were also assisted in the resolution of their issues by the GOC. Vajra Sahayata Kendra stalls were set up at the venue. Information and assistance stalls were also set up by AWPO, ECHS, CSD, DPDO and banks, who provided necessary assistance to the veterans.

The veterans were told that ECHS polyclinics in Corps zone have been upgraded for better patient management and comfort by utilising almost Rs 2 crore from welfare funds last year as also achieving a medicine satisfaction level of up to 90 per cent due to the enhanced powers for local purchase and improved central supplies. The GOC apprised the gathering that the migration of defence pensioners on the new pension disbursal system SPARSH is now nearing completion. As many as 43 Veteran Sahayata Kendras in various locations under the Western Command have been designated as Pension Service Centres to assist in a smooth transition.

The aspect of women empowerment undertaken by the defence forces include admission to NDA, enhanced vacancies, command of units, enrollment as other ranks and recent initiative to open dedicated Sainik Schools for girls.

A military band in full regalia played martial tunes and the event concluded with a lunch for the veterans with the GOC, Vajra Corps, and other serving personnel.