Proud to be a veteran : Honouring you for your selfless service to the Nation

Lt Gen (Dr) Konsam Himalay Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd)
“A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him”-Chesterson
Veterans Day is observed by Indian Armed Forces and the Nation on 14th Jan every year since 2016.
This day honours Field Marshal KM Cariappa , the first Commander in chief of Indian Army , who hung his uniform on 14th Jan 1953 and all those who previously served in the Armed Forces of India and their families. A veteran is one who has rendered active service and was released under honourable conditions or superannuated.
This is the day when the Nation pays their respect and gratitude to them who remained steadfast in defending the Republic. This day is also an opportunity to the Government and the people of India to show solidarity with those who fought many wars since independence and to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty in various operations including in internal security duties.
India has faced many wars since 1947 and continue to face many proxy wars even today. The Armed Forces of India along with the support from many agencies have preserved National integrity and pride. Indian Defence Forces are considered one of the strongest in the world today. Over 25,000 all ranks have laid down their lives in defending our Republic and over 50,000 injured in the many wars/conflicts that have been fought since then.
Veterans Day celebrations normally include Wreath laying to the fallen soldiers, a tribute to the Veer Naris, assistance to the injured, honouring the war veterans and all those who served the forces in the past by the Government and the public at large in their own way. No fixed procedures are laid down.
Manipur has immensely contributed to the Nation building and to the Armed Forces of India since independence. The fact that there are approximately 15,000 veterans in Manipur speaks for themselves. There are another over 6-7000 presently serving in Army, Navy and Air force in varying capacities. Manipur is considered to have the highest per capita number of officers in the country and have two retired Generals and seven serving or retired Brigadiers. Over 60 women officers from Manipur have served or are serving in the defence forces. Calculated in terms of livelihood, this huge number is contributing nearly INR hundred crore each year to the economy and supporting over 1-1.5 lac population. The number of serving at the lower ranks below the officer are calculated on the basis of recruitable male population from a State. The number of serving soldiers at the lower levels is expected to rise after the Agniveer scheme of recruitments since the State has huge human resources pool and a massive unemployment among the youth. The number of gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra (Major Jotin Singh) and other wartime highest awards are an envy of other States in the region.
The welfare of the veterans is primarily the respon- sibility of the State Govt with the assistance of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India. The State Govt and the local formation of the Army have taken many initiatives towards welfare of the veterans in recent times. The veteran community is thankful to 57 Mountain Division and the Assam Rifles in the State for their assistance in every possible way. Ex Service person rallies are held regularly in various districts of the State where specific needs of the veterans are attended to. One such rally was organised in a grand manner on 7th January in Bisnupur district this year where the Army Corps Commander, local commanders and hundreds of veterans took part. Similar rallies are organised regularly in every part of the State, particularly in District HQs. I am hopeful that more initiatives towards welfare of the veterans are in the pipeline too. The veterans can play a significant role in the development activities of the State Govt. They are well disciplined, qualified and have considerable experience in handling varied situations being faced by the people at large. The veteran community in Manipur are very active in every field including education, social change, business and other productive activities. Mani-pur and Manipuris should rightfully be proud of all their gallant sons and daughters who have contributed significantly to India’s Nation building and will continue to do so in the future. The discipline, Nationalism and professiona- lism imbibed among the veterans and their children are a big asset to the society. Be it in war or in aid of civil authorities, the veteran community from Manipur have performed beyond the call of duty and have put the nation above all while in service or after.
The Rajya Sainik Board whose Chairman is the Hon’ble Governor of the State is responsible for the activities related to the welfare of veterans and their families. A proposal is believed to be under consideration to designate the Board as–Department of Ex-Service Person Welfare and Rajya Sainik Board as per Govt of India rules of 2018 with adequate staff and resources just like in all the other States of India except in Manipur presently. A proposal to have a permanent building for the office of the board is also in the pipeline. A need has also been felt to have “welfare” staffs in other districts with large ESM population such as in Chandel, Senapati, Ukhrul and Tamenglong. Chura-chandpur already has a District Soldier Board at present. All these proposals, if fructified, will enhance the mechanisms to address the ESM issues in the remote corners of the State.
Today’s soldiers will be veterans of tomorrow. The Nation needs the best talent and the most motivated to join the Armed Forces. Thousands of young people of Manipur look up to the armed forces as a career option for themselves. The motivated youth who look for a lifelong commitment to the military service are watching how the veterans of today and their families are being treated by the countrymen before they make a choice.
Today, let us remember that freedom is never free. Many have given their today for our tomorrow to keep our Nation safe. We don’t know them all who did so much for the Nation, but we owe them gratitude nevertheless.
JAI HIND