The Indian Army celebrated the lifelong service of its veterans at the Veteran Achievers Award 2025, held in Prayagraj. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presented the prestigious award to four exceptional veterans for their impactful contributions to society beyond their military service.
The event, titled “Veteran Achievers Award 2025: Honouring Service, Inspiring Excellence,” brought together veterans, serving personnel, and civilians to pay tribute to the awardees. A prominent banner reading “पूर्व सैनिक सम्मान समारोह” (Veteran Honour Ceremony) alongside the Indian Army emblem served as a solemn backdrop to the occasion, underscoring the dignity and pride associated with military service.
The honored veterans have distinguished themselves through a range of social initiatives, including providing shelter and education for orphans and underprivileged girls, offering pro bono legal support to both military and civilian populations, and supporting vulnerable communities such as slum children, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities. Several awardees have also worked to inspire young people to join the armed forces and have taken active roles in veterans’ welfare programs.
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In his address, General Dwivedi commended the veterans for embodying the Army’s ethos of lifelong service. He described them as role models who continue to contribute meaningfully to society, acting as a vital bridge between the military and civilian communities. He also linked their efforts to the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, a roadmap toward a developed India through inclusive and sustainable progress.
The event featured a group photograph with the awardees, General Dwivedi, and senior officials, followed by an interactive session with a larger gathering of veterans. Notably, many participants wore beige caps, likely distributed as a symbol of unity and shared purpose. The ceremony concluded with a collective gesture of raised hands, symbolising solidarity and a shared commitment to national development.
This ceremony follows a similar initiative earlier this year on February 20, when General Dwivedi honoured two other veterans—Lieutenant Colonel Joy Choudhary (Retd.) and Naik A Levi Magh (Retd.)—during a visit to Eastern Command. The Veteran Achievers Award continues to serve as a beacon of encouragement for former soldiers to remain active in community service and national development.
The Indian Army emphasised that such events are not isolated acts of recognition but are closely aligned with national initiatives like the Year of Tech Absorption and the Decade of Transformation. These campaigns aim to propel India into a new era of growth while preserving its foundational values of unity, service, and social empowerment. The ceremony in Prayagraj not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the enduring contributions of veterans to India’s progress.
