This tribute is dedicated to all veterans of the Indian Armed Forces, across ranks, services, arms, and generations, whose sacrifices, values, and sense of duty continue to safeguard the soul of our Republic.
Who is a Veteran?
A veteran is often incorrectly described as “retired.” The term retired implies withdrawal, rest, or disengagement. A Veteran, however, is a soldier with lived experience of command, hardship, sacrifice, leadership, and responsibility. Military service imprints a way of life that does not fade with the uniform.
Once commissioned, enrolled, or attested, a soldier belongs to the nation for life. The ethos of discipline, integrity, selfless service, and loyalty to the Constitution becomes permanent. Therefore, a veteran is not a former soldier; a veteran is a soldier in perpetuity, serving the nation in different capacities.
It is time society consciously abolishes the word “Retd” and replaces it with “Veteran”, a term that carries dignity, honour, and national pride.
Service beyond the uniform
The contribution of veterans does not end on the date of retirement or release. In fact, many veterans begin their most impactful service after leaving uniform. Veterans today are:
- Lawyers fighting for justice for soldiers and their families
- Administrators and policy advisors strengthening governance
- Teachers, mentors, and trainers shaping disciplined citizens
- Entrepreneurs generating employment
- Social activists raising their voices for the unrepresented
- Elected representatives and public leaders serving constituencies
Veterans bring to civil society something rare: decision-making under pressure, ethical leadership, and accountability without excuses. This is why nations that respect their veterans grow stronger institutions.
Raising the voice for the unrepresented
One of the most critical roles veterans play today is advocacy for those who cannot speak for themselves. Veterans often stand up for:
- Soldiers facing false or motivated allegations for actions taken during bona fide duties
- Personnel suffering due to administrative apathy or systemic injustice
- War widows, disabled veterans, and aged parents struggling with procedures
- Families caught between rules and compassion
This willingness to question authority, demand accountability, and stand firm for justice comes from years of command responsibility. Veterans understand that silence in the face of injustice is itself a form of failure.
Families of Veterans: Unsung warriors
No tribute to veterans can be complete without honouring their families. The family of a soldier serves the nation silently and continuously.
Spouses manage homes during long and uncertain separations, raise children single-handedly, and absorb emotional burdens without complaint. Parents live with constant anxiety, and children grow up learning resilience far earlier than their peers.
The welfare of veterans’ families is not a favour it is a moral and constitutional responsibility of the nation. Healthcare, education of wards, dignified accommodation, financial security, and social respect must be ensured not as charity, but as a rightful acknowledgment of service rendered.
Welfare structures: Recognising institutional efforts
It is equally important to acknowledge and appreciate the Indian Armed Forces and the Government of India for creating institutional mechanisms for veteran welfare.
Over the years, structured systems have been put in place, including:
- Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) providing medical care to veterans and dependents
- Directorate of Indian Army Veterans / Directorate General Resettlement, functioning through Service Headquarters and formations across the country to address grievances, resettlement, and welfare
- Sainik Rest Houses and Defence Holiday Homes across India, enabling veterans and families to travel, rest, and reconnect with military environments at affordable costs
- Central Government schemes covering pensions, disability benefits, education grants, skill development, and financial assistance
- State Government welfare schemes, including reservations, scholarships for wards, housing benefits, tax concessions, and ex-gratia support
These initiatives reflect institutional intent and must continue to evolve with sensitivity, speed, and fairness.
Veterans as leaders in democracy and society
Indian veterans have contributed immensely as leaders in public life. Many have represented constituencies in legislatures, served as ministers, governors, and policymakers, or led important national institutions.
Beyond politics, countless veterans lead NGOs, disaster-relief operations, educational initiatives, and youth mentorship programs. They carry the Armed Forces’ ethos into society nation first, duty always, self last.
A democracy that listens to its veterans strengthens its moral foundation.
Mutual expectations: Veterans and the nation
What Veterans rightfully expect
- Dignity and respect, not neglect
- Fair and timely pensions and benefits
- Accessible and compassionate healthcare
- Transparent grievance redressal
- Recognition of sacrifice, not tokenism
What the nation can expect from Veterans
- Continued leadership and guidance
- Mentorship for youth and civil society
- Upholding constitutional values
- Courage to speak truth without fear or favour
This relationship is symbiotic and sacred. When honoured, it strengthens national unity.
Honour beyond life
A veteran’s final journey under the Tricolour is not a ritual it is a national salute to a life lived in service. The assurance of the Tiranga after death must be uniform, dignified, and unquestioned for every veteran, irrespective of rank or branch.
Respecting veterans in death begins with respecting them in life.
Conclusion:
To my fellow veterans: you are the conscience-keepers of the nation. Your service did not end with the uniform it transformed. Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your courage still inspires.
To society and institutions: honouring veterans is not a ceremonial gesture it is a continuous responsibility.
Let us replace retirement with recognition, silence with respect, and indifference with institutional empathy.
Very informative article enriching the civilians towards selfless commitment that Veterans embody to the country. Humility and service of veterans characterized by courage without ego. Manifest is the veterans continued sacrifice to national consciousness contributing to values of leadership to community life and mentoring countrymen to build stronger nation. Jai jawan on this Armed forces veteran’s day, 14 January.
While the author has holistically dissected every fibre comprising the Veteran [Re-attired], as a National Culture, firstly the serving community must conciously look up to their Veterans, then are the Citizens [not the common citizens who in any case do but other Govt Agencies who tend to drive a wedge between Serving & Veterans and in bargain are largely ineffective as a Culture. We do not require Op Sindoors constantly to get momentary recognition. Salutes to the author.
Excellent article