What our veterans think on Veterans Day

As we mark the 8^th Veterans Day on January 14^th, I couldn't help but engage in conversations with some veterans about their experiences abut being a veteran soldier of India. Veteran- 

I explored their emotions—whether they feel content, melancholic, or if there are additional measures, they believe could enhance the lives of both serving soldiers and veterans. Below are a few insights gathered from these discussions.

“Veterans are the unsung heroes of India’s history, and we must never forget all that they have done to ensure India's freedom. Serving in the Indian Armed Forces is a commitment to safeguard the nation’s integrity, often at the cost of personal comfort and safety. The salutation ‘Veteran,' is not just a title, but is a badge of honour earned through grit in the face of selflessness. The willingness of the veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned us the nation's lasting gratitude.

The transition from military to civil life is a unique journey for the veterans, as they navigate new challenges outside the regimented structure of the armed forces. That notwithstanding, we have always risen to the occasion whenever the nation calls.

Appreciating and understanding the vast pool of veterans’ experiences, across a diverse bandwidth, is crucial for creating an enabling environment for their reintegration into civil society. This pool is being wasted. We as Indians do not value our soldiers. Sadly, this has not got the traction it merits and remains a mere lip service at best. There is much to be done here collectively as a nation. They must take care of the veterans with the same commitment that the veterans have given for the security of the country internally and externally.

 The nation needs to be reminded of an unknown quote, 'For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do, so we can safely do what we’re free to do.’ says  Col Talwar

Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM AVSM VSM, who retired as the Vice Chief of the Indian Army says, “The veterans in India. Still, a couple of decades back. Very, very respected. And proud lot of soldiers. Continue to use and buy. What all they? Had learned during their first career in various places. I'm afraid the veteran of today. Is not in that category. Because over a period of time. The veterans were forgotten lot. The powers that be thought that they are now no good and are incapable or not fit to do anything of importance, which was of course wirelessly. Inadequate and without. They they having thought about it, they made such statements. Perhaps you don't know that. It was the veterans in the 1960s who chosen. To form what was known as the Land Army. And one of the our ex. Chief of Army staff. General Kumara Mangalam headed this organization, which was extremely active in the Pradesh. And also in a number of other places and they did a lot of work for. The India which was awakening after independence, unfortunately. The bureaucrats who wanted to become. And then the armed forces personnel. Stopped. It stopped this particular thing on petty reasons and thereafter. They started doing what they were, what they arm Land Army was doing and they make and they they busted it up completely and made it what it is today. They don't work. They wanted money. That's about all. So to put it very succinctly. The veteran, whatever he gets, whatever he does, is only because deserving community has at least realize within the military that we veterans as important. As deserving people, and perhaps in certain fields, even more so, however. The Government of India. The civil government. And also the social organization have yet to realize it. I don't know when they will realize it, but I hope that in the years to come they also find. And acknowledge that the veteran is a very important man or woman. I think I'll end by saying. It is the veterans who are the mouthpiece. Of the serving community, the serving military person because they are able to speak and also to convey the feelings, the concerns and the wants of. The serving community, which for various reasons including various laws etcetera, are unable to do so.”

Apart from the pride and honour the service instilled, I feel a sense of accomplishment while working for the disability sector. I'm not only able to contribute to nation building in a small way but can also give back to the service that gave us so much. Helping disabled men is rewarding. My identity springs from being a Military Veteran and I examine national issues as if they were mine. I'm not swayed by regional or local considerations. More veterans need recognition for the work they do after leaving service. Col Pradeep Kapoor

I then spoke to Col Danvir, an ex army officer, a Defence Analyst and a very vocal voice on social media. He said, “ It’s been 10 years in the civil street now. The experience has been amazing so far with so much respect shown by country men towards the armed forces and its members, and this can be felt through. However the same may not always be true when it comes to the sarkari officials dealing with ESM matters. With the Veterans Day around the corner I would like to share my father’s words who himself was an ESM. He would say that the society will respect you a lot for your services and sacrifices, however you will have to work extremely hard in the opposite direction to prove the society wrong.  Hence, continue to be upright and honest as you were in the service.”

Jai Hind

~AZ