Leh, Jan 14: The 10th Tri Services Armed Forces Veterans Day was observed at Leh on Wednesday, with the Indian Army leading commemorative events to honour the service and sacrifice of ex-servicemen from Ladakh. Senior officers and veterans paid homage to fallen soldiers by laying wreaths at the Hall of Fame Memorial in Leh.
Brigadier Ajay Katoch, Deputy General Officer Commanding Leh Sub Area and Station Commander Leh, along with senior veterans, participated in the solemn tribute. Veterans Day is marked across the country on January 14 every year since 2017 to commemorate the superannuation of India’s first Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this date in 1953.
The main function was held at Rinchen Auditorium, where more than 600 retired Armed Forces personnel from across Ladakh gathered. Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps, addressed the veterans as the chief guest, acknowledging their years of duty and sacrifice in some of the country’s most demanding operational environments.
The Army Commander assured veterans of continued institutional support in addressing their concerns and underlined the Corps’ coordination with the UT Administration to promote the welfare and development of veterans and their dependents. During the event, Veer Naris and Veer Matas from the region were felicitated, while multiple help desks were set up to facilitate on-the-spot resolution of issues related to pensions, documentation and welfare schemes.
Officials highlighted ongoing initiatives undertaken by the Corps for veteran rehabilitation and employment. A placement cell established in Leh with assistance from the Army Welfare Placement Organisation continues to connect ex-servicemen with job opportunities. A digital learning centre functioning under the same aegis has trained over 100 veterans and dependents in various skill sets.
In keeping with the region’s renewable energy potential, two batches of veterans were trained as solar technicians in 2025, enabling them to install, maintain and repair solar power systems. To date, over 150 ex-servicemen from Ladakh have completed such training, improving employability in civilian sectors.
Veterans Day observances were also organised at other locations across Ladakh, drawing participation from nearly 1,200 veterans. Despite extreme winter conditions, the annual commemoration continues to draw wide attendance, reflecting sustained engagement between the Army and the veteran community in the high-altitude region.
More than 600 retired Armed Forces Personnel from Ladakh attended the event at Rinchen Auditorium in Leh in which the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps addressed the veterans and thanked them for their invaluable contribution and sacrifice for the nation. GOC also assured them of wholehearted support to solve their problems and complimented all ranks of Fire and Fury Corps and the UT Administration for their dedicated efforts in ensuring all round welfare and development of veterans and their dependents in UT of Ladakh. He felicitated Veterans/ Veer Naris and Veer Matas from Ladakh during the event. Number of ‘Help Desks’ were also established for the benefit of attendees wherein problems related to different issues being faced by Veterans and their dependents were resolved.
Every year a number of initiatives are carried out by Fire and Fury Corps for the welfare of veterans and their dependents. The Placement Cell, established at Leh with the assistance of Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) is one such successful initiative for the welfare of veterans of Ladakh. A Digital Learning Centre for veterans and their dependents has also been established at Leh under the aegis of AWPO. More than 100 veterans and dependents were trained so far in the facility. To harness the potential of solar energy in Leh, in the year 2025 two batches of veterans have been trained as solar technicians, capable of establishing new plants and undertaking maintenance & repair. More than 150 Ex-servicemen have been trained till date thereby enabling them with better job opportunities.
Veterans Day was also celebrated at other locations in the entire Ladakh and around 1200 veterans attended these events. The grand celebration of ‘Veterans Day’ on 14 Jan every year during extreme cold conditions in the region stands testimony to the commitment of Fire and Fury Corps towards the welfare of veterans of Ladakh.
In Kargil, The Kargil Sentinels of the Indian Army marked Defence Forces Veterans Day today with an Ex-Servicemen Rally at the Sainik Institute, Kargil, drawing a large gathering of retired soldiers, Veer Naris, war widows, and their dependents from across the district.
The rally focused on welfare and service-related matters, bringing Army and civil agencies together under one roof to listen to and resolve concerns of veterans. The day-long programme worked as a single-point help system for issues concerning pensions, medical care, resettlement, documents, and various government welfare schemes.
Stalls set up by Record Offices, Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), banks, and multiple government departments including the Revenue Office and Power Development Department assisted participants with queries. Staff on site addressed pending service records, pension differences, ECHS smart cards, and other entitlement matters.
Major General K. Mahesh, General Officer Commanding 8 Mountain Division, attended the rally as the Chief Guest, along with senior Army officers and the Commander of 121 Infantry Brigade. They interacted with veterans and their families, assuring continued help and follow-up action.
Maj Gen Mahesh presented mementoes to veterans, Veer Naris, and widows as a gesture of respect for their contribution. In his address, he thanked the gathering for their service and said the Indian Army remains committed to ensuring that issues raised by veterans and their families are resolved on priority.
He noted that the people of Kargil have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Army, forming a relationship rooted in trust and shared responsibility.
Air Force veteran Sawar Hussain from Kaksar village, located near the Line of Control, praised the rally and said the assistance provided by officials had eased long-pending concerns for many families.
The rally closed with a reaffirmation of support for those who have served the nation in uniform, underscoring the Army’s continued mission to care for its extended family in Kargil.
