RAJOURI, January 14, 2026 — The 10th Veterans’ Day celebrations concluded today in Rajouri with a grand ceremony that brought together veterans, serving personnel, and citizens to honor the legacy of the Indian Armed Forces.
The event was graced by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who arrived to witness a series of tributes reflecting the highest level of commitment to veteran welfare.
The proceedings commenced with the National Anthem performed by students of Army Goodwill Public School, followed by the arrival of the Dhruva Motorcycle Rally.
Carrying the Eternal Mashaal, the rally covered nearly 740 kilometers to symbolize unity and the ethos of “Service Beyond Uniform” before being flagged-in by the Lieutenant Governor.
During the event, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, delivered a welcome address praising the sacrifices of veterans and reaffirming the military’s institutional commitment to their rehabilitation.
A vibrant march past featured contingents of NCC cadets, Village Defence Committee members, and veterans, set to the tunes of the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre military band. A major highlight of the day was the inauguration of the ‘Wall of Fame,’ a permanent memorial dedicated to the supreme sacrifice of brave hearts. In a significant move for ex-servicemen’s security, a dedicated Police Helpline for Veterans was also launched to provide grievance redressal and timely assistance.
Furthering the focus on inclusive growth, the administration distributed assistive aids, including electric wheelchairs, mobile scooters, and e-rickshaws, to specially-abled veterans to enhance their mobility.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presented mementoes to notable ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, later addressing the gathering to underscore the vital role veterans play in nation-building, specifically within Jammu and Kashmir.
The day concluded with a massive outreach effort where departments like the Zila Sainik Board, ECHS, and PCDA worked on-site to resolve pending grievances, ensuring that the celebration resulted in tangible support for the veteran community.
