Rajouri, January 14, 2026:On the occasion of the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha paid heartfelt tributes to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and their family members at a commemorative event held at ALG Rajouri.
Addressing a large gathering of veterans, armed forces personnel, and citizens, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep gratitude to the nation’s soldiers for always placing the safety of others above their own.
“Our Armed Forces veterans are the embodiment of living history. Their sacrifices have not only safeguarded our freedom but also shaped the destiny of our great nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the enduring commitment of the armed forces, Shri Manoj Sinha stated that military service is not merely a profession but a lifelong dedication that continues even after the uniform is folded away. He emphasized that the courage of veterans extends beyond the battlefield to peace-building and nation-building.
Saluting the resilience and patriotism of India’s brave soldiers, the Lieutenant Governor said the courage and sacrifice of the army form the backbone of the nation’s security.
“The sacrifices of our soldiers often remain invisible. While the nation sleeps peacefully, they remain alert. While families celebrate festivals together, our soldiers guard the borders far away from home. They do not speak about sacrifice — they live it every moment,” he remarked.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the ‘Wall of Fame’ and launched a dedicated police helpline service for veterans, reaffirming the government’s commitment—under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi—to the welfare of veterans and their families.
“Veterans are living role models for the youth. They guide the nation with character, timeless values, and selfless service. From safeguarding the nation to serving society, our armed forces veterans continue to shape India’s future,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment, Shri Manoj Sinha added, “It is my responsibility to honour veterans’ service through care. We are dedicated not only to the well-being of veterans’ families but also to ensuring a life of dignity for those brave soldiers who served and sacrificed for the nation.”
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and remembered legendary heroes including Second Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Naik Jadunath Singh, and other bravehearts from Rajouri.
A mega Ex-Servicemen Rally was organised as part of the celebrations. Assistive devices such as motorised wheelchairs, retrofitted scooties, and mobility aids were distributed to veterans and Veer Naris.
The event was attended by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command; Lt Gen P. K. Mishra, GOC White Knight Corps; Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherjee, GOC 25 Infantry Division; Brig Pankaj Chib (Retd), Director, Sainik Welfare Department; along with veterans, Veer Naris, and citizens from all walks of life.
Members of the Legislative Assembly Shri Iftkhar Ahmed, Thakur Randhir Singh, and Ms. Devyani Rana, along with DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Shri Tejinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Shri Abhishek Sharma, SSP Rajouri Shri Gaurav Sikarwar, and senior officials from civil, police, and security forces were also present and paid tributes to the veterans.
