Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi felicitated seven distinguished veterans with the Veteran Achievers Award at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to veteran welfare, education, youth empowerment, social service, environmental sustainability and nation-building.
The awardees included Colonel Gyan Prakash Misra, SM (Retd), Colonel Raghuvir Singh Bhaskar (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel Shikha Garg (Retd), Risaldar Major (Honorary Captain) Liaqkat Ali (Retd), Subedar (Honorary Captain) Om Prakash (Retd), Subedar Major Sumer Singh (Retd) and Havildar Jeeva Raj Singh (Retd).
The Army Chief commended the veterans for extending their spirit of service beyond military life and making a meaningful impact on society through a wide range of community-oriented initiatives.
The awardees have distinguished themselves through efforts aimed at supporting veterans and Veer Naris, resolving pension-related grievances, promoting education for underprivileged children, mentoring youth aspiring to join the Armed Forces and implementing programmes for community welfare and social empowerment.
Their contributions also include advancing environmental conservation through sustainable waste management and renewable energy initiatives, encouraging sports and youth development, and creating livelihood opportunities that have benefited communities across the country.
Addressing the gathering, General Dwivedi praised the awardees for embodying the enduring values and ethos of the Indian Army through their continued commitment to public service and national development. He noted that their achievements serve as an inspiration for serving personnel, veterans and the younger generation alike.
The Veteran Achievers Award recognises retired Army personnel who continue to contribute significantly to society after their military service, reinforcing the belief that service to the nation extends well beyond active duty.
The ceremony reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to honouring veterans whose dedication, leadership and selfless initiatives continue to strengthen communities and contribute to the vision of a stronger, united and progressive India.
The event concluded with a message reflecting the enduring ethos of military service: “Service is a Lifelong Journey; Building a Stronger, United India.”
