Nation Celebrates 10th Veterans Day with Tributes and Ceremonies

On the occasion of the 10th Veterans Day, India held nationwide celebrations to honor the sacrifices of ex-servicemen. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the main event in Delhi, where he praised the veterans as vital pillars of national consciousness. He urged them to guide the youth and strengthen patriotism in society. Singh also highlighted the government's efforts to recognize the contributions of veterans, particularly those involved in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. This year's celebrations reflect a commitment to honoring the legacy and bravery of India's armed forces.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 17:55 IST

Nationwide Celebrations for Veterans Day

On Tuesday, the country marked the 10th Veterans Day with various events including rallies, tribute ceremonies, grievance redressal counters, and support centers for former soldiers across the nation. The main event took place at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Approximately 2,500 veterans from the Delhi-NCR region participated in the celebration. In his address, the Defence Minister paid heartfelt tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and dedicated service of the veterans, describing them as vibrant pillars of national consciousness, symbols of collective courage, and sources of inspiration for future generations. He urged the veterans to guide the youth through their experiences, support Agniveers and young soldiers in the right direction, assist civil administration during emergencies, promote social harmony, and strengthen the spirit of patriotism at the grassroots level to lay a strong foundation for a prosperous India.

Rajnath Singh's Address to Veterans

While addressing the gathering of veterans, Rajnath Singh remarked that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming a strong, self-reliant, and developed nation. He emphasized the invaluable legacy of the veterans' experience, leadership, and values for the country. He highlighted the need for society, especially the youth, to learn from their experiences, whether in education, skill development, disaster management, community leadership, or innovation. Their involvement can leave a positive and lasting impact on future generations. The Defence Minister also recalled the brave veterans who participated in Operation Pawan, conducted by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka nearly 40 years ago.

Recognition of Veterans' Contributions

He noted that during the operation, the Indian Army displayed extraordinary courage, with many soldiers sacrificing their lives. Unfortunately, their valor, sacrifice, and struggles did not receive the recognition they deserved. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the government is not only acknowledging the contributions of peacekeepers involved in Operation Pawan but is also in the process of recognizing their efforts at all levels. During his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the IPKF memorial. Now, the contributions of IPKF soldiers are also being recognized at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, providing them with the honor they rightfully deserve.