Ladakh, June 27, 2026: Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi felicitated five distinguished former soldiers with the Veteran Achievers Award during his visit to the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps in Ladakh. The veterans were honoured for their exceptional and sustained contributions to the welfare of former servicemen, healthcare delivery, community development and nation-building.
The award recipients were Colonel Tondup Wangail (Retired), Major Rinchen Dolma Kolto (Retired), Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Sonam Morup (Retired), Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Tashi Chhepal, Vir Chakra (Retired), and Naik Ghulam Haider (Retired).
The felicitation recognised the veterans not only for their distinguished military service but also for continuing to serve society after retiring from the Armed Forces. Through a range of selfless initiatives, the awardees have worked to improve the lives of veterans, Veer Naris, military families and residents of some of the most remote and geographically challenging regions of Ladakh.
Their efforts have helped transform healthcare delivery in areas where access to medical facilities remains limited because of difficult terrain, harsh climatic conditions and the scattered nature of settlements. By supporting medical outreach, assisting veterans requiring treatment and facilitating access to healthcare services, the awardees have provided a vital lifeline to former soldiers and their families.
The veterans have also played an important role in expanding welfare outreach to ex-servicemen and Veer Naris. Their work has helped ensure that eligible beneficiaries remain connected with institutional support systems and are able to access welfare schemes, documentation assistance, medical facilities and other forms of support.
Several of the initiatives undertaken by the awardees have focused on promoting skill development, financial independence and self-reliance among veterans and their families. By encouraging vocational training and community-based opportunities, they have helped individuals build sustainable livelihoods and become active contributors to the local economy.
The awardees have also worked to secure land-related and welfare measures for veteran families. In remote areas, where administrative access and awareness of entitlements can often be limited, their intervention has helped affected families navigate official procedures and receive the support due to them.
Their contribution extends beyond the military community. By participating in community development initiatives and strengthening cooperation between local residents, veterans and government institutions, the former soldiers have contributed to social harmony and inclusive development across Ladakh.
Among the awardees, Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Tashi Chhepal, Vir Chakra, represents the enduring tradition of gallantry and service associated with the Indian Army. His continued engagement with veterans and local communities reflects how the values of courage, discipline and responsibility cultivated in uniform continue long after retirement.
The recognition of Major Rinchen Dolma Kolto also highlights the important role played by women veterans in strengthening healthcare, social welfare and community outreach. Her initiatives have contributed to improving support systems in remote areas and encouraged greater participation by women in community development.
Colonel Tondup Wangail, Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Sonam Morup, and Naik Ghulam Haider were similarly recognised for their dedicated efforts in improving veterans’ welfare, assisting families and supporting development initiatives at the grassroots level.
The ceremony underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining lifelong bonds with its veterans. Soldiers may retire from active service, but their association with the Army and their commitment to the nation continue through their work in civilian life.
By honouring the five veteran achievers, the Army highlighted examples of former soldiers who have used their experience, leadership and organisational abilities to address real challenges faced by communities in Ladakh.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s interaction with the veterans also reinforced the importance of recognising individuals who continue to uphold the Army’s ethos of service before self. Their work demonstrates that military service is not confined to a soldier’s years in uniform but can remain a lifelong mission dedicated to society and the nation.
The Veteran Achievers Award serves as an acknowledgement of both individual excellence and collective responsibility. It recognises veterans who have transformed their military values into meaningful initiatives benefiting former servicemen, Veer Naris, military families and local communities.
The achievements of the five awardees are particularly significant in Ladakh, where distance, altitude, extreme weather and limited infrastructure can make welfare and healthcare delivery extremely difficult. Their personal involvement and sustained presence have helped bridge gaps between institutions and people living in remote regions.
The felicitation also carried a wider message for the veteran community across the country. It demonstrated that retired soldiers possess immense potential to contribute to governance, healthcare, social development, education, skill-building and community leadership.
The Indian Army described the spirit behind the recognition through the message: “Service is a lifelong journey; building a stronger, united India.”
The five Veteran Achievers embody that message through their continued commitment to the people of Ladakh. Their journey from military service to community leadership stands as an inspiring example of how the values of the Armed Forces can continue to strengthen the nation long after a soldier hangs up the uniform.
