In a heartfelt endeavour to honour the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army organised an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Bishnupur, Manipur, on 25 March 2025. The event aimed to strengthen ties with the ex-servicemen community and ensure their well-being.
The rally was graced by Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps, and Major General SS Kartikeya, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division. They were joined by approx 612 veterans, 12 Veer Naris and Veer Matas, 70 war widows, and their families, reaffirming the Army’s unwavering commitment to those who have dedicated their lives to the nation. The event was further dignified by the presence of Lt Gen KH Singh (Retd), the senior-most veteran, alongside 26 veteran offrs, including Col Gopendra Puyam (Retd), Secretary of the Rajya Sainik Board. Their participation underscored the Army’s dedication to veteran welfare and their continued service to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, the Corps Commander expressed deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of veterans and acknowledged the sacrifices of Veer Naris and Veer Matas in nation-building. He commended the veterans for their role in fostering peace, promoting education and sports, and advocating for a drug-free environment in Manipur. He urged them to continue guiding the youth towards unity and harmony while also apprising them of various welfare measures undertaken by the Indian Army in recent times.
The rally served as a platform to honour all veterans, including gallantry awardees and Veer Naris, in recognition of their bravery and sacrifices. The Chief Guest reaffirmed the Army’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of its veterans and conveyed profound gratitude for their selfless service, highlighting their significant role in upholding security and stability in Manipur.
To provide comprehensive support, the rally featured dedicated grievance redressal cells, banking services, and a treasury office, addressing key concerns such as pension anomalies and financial planning. Medical specialists from the Army and the District Civil Hospital collaborated to offer free medical check-ups, consultations, and essential medicines to veterans, Veer Naris, and their dependents. A dedicated medicine counter was also set up to facilitate the distribution of necessary medications following the medical examinations.
The event proved to be a resounding success, reinforcing the deep bond between the Indian Army and its veterans. It stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie, respect, and solidarity that define the Indian Armed Forces.
