The Indian Army marked Veterans Day 2026 across military stations nationwide with deep respect and gratitude, honouring the service and sacrifices of veterans, Veer Naris, and their families. The central ceremony at Jaipur Military Station, led by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, featured a prestigious Army Investiture Ceremony, where gallantry awards, citations, and commendations were conferred on outstanding soldiers and units.
Nationwide Celebrations Honour Veterans and Families
Veterans Day was celebrated with fervour across stations including New Delhi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Ranchi, Rajouri, and several others. A wide range of welfare and outreach events were organised for:
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Veterans
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Veer Naris and Veer Matas
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Families of serving and retired personnel
The events reflected the Army’s enduring commitment to its extended family and reinforced the bond between the Armed Forces and society.
COAS Leads Commemorations at Jaipur Military Station
At Jaipur Military Station, under the aegis of the South Western Command, the commemorations were presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi. The COAS attended the Army Veterans Day Lunch at Polo Ground, where he interacted closely with veterans and families, acknowledging their lifelong contribution to national security and the Army’s legacy.
Key highlights of the event included:
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Felicitation of officials of Zila Sainik Boards for resolving veterans’ issues
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Release of ‘Samman’ magazine by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans
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Felicitation of Veer Naris and Veer Matas by Ms Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA)
“Veterans Are Lifelong Ambassadors of the Army’s Ethos”
In his address, the COAS conveyed warm greetings to veterans and paid tribute to the Bravehearts who laid down their lives for the nation. He reaffirmed that the welfare of veterans and families of the fallen remains a moral duty and institutional priority of the Indian Army.
He highlighted:
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The evolving nature of warfare
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The Army’s focus on modernisation, technology infusion, and operational readiness
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The importance of preserving core values of honour, courage, and duty
General Dwivedi described veterans as role models and lifelong ambassadors of the Army’s ethos, urging them to continue engaging with youth and communities to strengthen national unity, discipline, and resilience. He also expressed appreciation for the support of civil administration and stakeholders in strengthening veteran welfare mechanisms.
Army Investiture Ceremony Honours Gallantry and Excellence
A major highlight of the day was the Army Investiture Ceremony, where the COAS conferred awards recognising exceptional courage and service.
Key honours included:
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10 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
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49 COAS Unit Citations
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COAS Certificates of Appreciation to 60 units, including 26 units for Operation Sindoor
These awards recognised the dedication, professionalism, and operational excellence of personnel and units across all Commands.
Beyond military service, the Army also honoured contributions to society by felicitating:
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Six Veteran Achievers
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Three civilians
Their recognition reflects the Army’s respect for those who continue to support and strengthen the institution beyond the battlefield.
Army Day 2026 Celebrations to Continue in Jaipur
The commemorations will continue on 15 January 2026 with:
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The Army Day Parade at Mahal Road, Jaipur
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Shaurya Sandhya at Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur
These events will showcase the Army’s professional excellence, operational preparedness, and deep connection with the people of India.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2026 stands as a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and lifelong service of India’s soldiers and their families. From heartfelt interactions with veterans to the formal recognition of gallantry and excellence at the Investiture Ceremony, the celebrations in Jaipur and across the country reaffirm the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to honouring its past while inspiring future generations. The continued focus on welfare, modernisation, and national unity reflects the enduring strength of the Army’s bond with the nation.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
