As part of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) Centenary Celebrations a Veterans Meet was organised at Armed Forces Medical College Pune. The first-ever Veterans Meet of its kind brought together MNS veterans from different parts of the country to celebrate a century of dedicated service to the nation and honour MNS veterans who laid the foundation of military nursing in the country and to showcase its professional competence, ethos, ethical nursing practice, compassion, resilience, and dedication to duty.
The Military Nursing Service has, over the last hundred years, stood as a symbol of compassion, courage, discipline, and professional excellence within the Armed Forces Medical Services. MNS officers have rendered exemplary nursing care to soldiers, veterans, families, and civilians during times of war, conflict, natural disasters, epidemics, and national emergencies.
The Veterans Meet was therefore conceived not merely as a reunion, but as a tribute to the extraordinary legacy and invaluable contributions of generations of military nurses who have served the nation with unwavering commitment and selfless devotion.
The gathering reflected the timeless values that define the MNS fraternity: discipline, honour, integrity, sacrifice, teamwork, leadership, and service before self. It also sought to strengthen the bond between serving and retired MNS officers, preserve the rich heritage and traditions of the organisation, and inspire younger generations through meaningful interactions with veterans whose lives and careers exemplify commitment to humanity and national service.
The event was graced by Lt Gen Pankaj P Rao, Commandant AFMC, Pune as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the indispensable role of the Military Nursing Service in ensuring operational readiness and fulfilling the humanitarian responsibilities of the Indian Army. He emphasized that the Military Nursing Service uniquely combines professional excellence with military discipline, making it an integral and indispensable component of the Armed Forces Medical Services. He appreciated the remarkable contribution of MNS officers across diverse operational and healthcare environments and acknowledged their unwavering dedication towards patient care and nation building.
The keynote address was delivered by Maj Gen Radhakrishnan S, who paid rich tribute to the veterans for their lifelong service to the nation. He remarked that MNS officers continue to contribute meaningfully even after retirement by strengthening healthcare systems, supporting medical education, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and participating actively in community welfare initiatives. He noted that the values imbibed during military service continue to guide veterans throughout their lives, making them enduring ambassadors of discipline, compassion, professionalism, and resilience in society.
One of the major highlights of the meet was a series of informative presentations delivered by representatives from Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Officers), Directorate General Resettlement, Medical Placement and Resettlement Support Organisation, and the Army Placement Cell. These sessions provided valuable guidance regarding healthcare entitlements, pension matters, digital services, financial benefits, resettlement opportunities, employment avenues, and various welfare initiatives available for veterans. The interactions enabled veterans to update themselves on evolving support systems and clarified many issues related to post-retirement welfare and benefits.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the meet became an emotional and enriching experience for all participants. Veterans fondly revisited memories of training days, field postings, operational duties, hospital services, and the camaraderie shared during years in uniform. The atmosphere throughout the event reflected warmth, pride, nostalgia, mutual respect, and a deep sense of belonging. Senior veterans shared inspiring experiences and anecdotes that highlighted the evolution of military nursing in India over the decades and underscored the immense contribution of the Military Nursing Service to the Armed Forces Medical Services and the nation at large.
The gathering also acknowledged the crucial role played by Military Nursing Service officers in providing comprehensive nursing care to Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their dependants across peace and war. Their role in patient advocacy, clinical excellence, emergency response, humanitarian missions, and holistic caregiving has remained central to the functioning of military healthcare institutions. The meet reinforced the fact that although uniforms may eventually be retired, the spirit of service, compassion, discipline, and commitment to humanity remains lifelong.
The MNS Veterans Meet 2026 thus emerged as one of the most significant events of the centenary celebrations, symbolising continuity between generations of military nurses and reaffirming the enduring legacy and ethos of the Military Nursing Service. The successful conduct of this historic gathering reflected the deep respect and gratitude of the Armed Forces Medical Services towards its nursing veterans whose dedication, sacrifices, and professional excellence continue to inspire future generations. The event concluded on a note of pride, gratitude, fellowship, and renewed commitment to the noble ideals of the Military Nursing Service, an institution that has served the nation with distinction for a century and continues to uphold the highest standards of nursing care, military discipline, and humanitarian service.
