In the harder of life, where time unfolds,

Veterans emerge, their stories told.
Never retired, from the army they depart,
Yet, style and discipline never depart.
Aging not their spirit, they remain bold,
As old as gold, their stories are told.
In every field, their bravery gleams,
Undeniably strong, beyond mere dreams.
They are the experts, skilful and wise,
A treasure trove where experience lies.
In the tapestry of nation-building grand,
They're the pillars on which we stand.
Never old, a timeless parade,
With each passing year,
their worth displayed.
A call away, in every field,
In their activeness,
their strength revealed.
So, let's lean on their wisdom's beam,
Earn from the bundle of experience they teem.
Undeniable, their lasting impact,
In the nation's story, an immortal pact.
Veterans, the guardians of our history,
In their legacy, we find our victory.
A salute to those who answered the call,
Active and brave, they stand tall.

Who is Veteran

A veteran is an individual who has served in the army, navy, air force, and marines. Veterans are commonly associated with military service, referring to someone who has served in the armed forces and has completed their service. These individuals have vast experience, discipline, and knowledge of military life, and they eventually return to civilian life. Military personnel are always considered fit and brave, even after retirement. 'Veteran' is not an honorary name for military persons after retirement; it is a formal designation for individuals who have served in the military. Retired military personnel may be referred to as 'veterans.'
According to a report from the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, there are approximately 2.6 million ex-servicemen and 60,000 widows, including war widows, making the total number of veterans 3.2 million in India as of now. About 60,000 armed forces personnel retire or are released from active service every year, with most falling in the age bracket of 35 to 45 years. The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) is responsible for preparing retiring/retired service personnel for a second career. Veterans in India in the last decade have resorted to public protests under the OROP banner to highlight that they are uncared for and treated far worse than civilian counterparts.

Significance of Veterans in India's History and Defence

While researching on this in the net and from the Veterans I found some of the relevant lines of Major Akhill Pratap has been working as the Social Media Consultant of Ministry of Defence (Govt of India), Jury Member of Ministry of Culture (Govt of India), in Times of India, The Indian Military has done pretty well in acknowledging its veterans. Be it benefits, support or respect. You name it – veterans have it. From pensionary benefits to the medical facilities, from reservations to re-employment, from training to the easy access of quality household products at prices lesser than the market (commonly known as the canteen/CSD facilities) who is in the service.
Bridg. Rajan Jamwal, a veteran, stated that India, being a vast and diverse country, doesn't have a simple narrative. Despite economic challenges and a significant population living below the poverty line, the armed forces are held in high regard by most Indians. They are recognized for their secularism, relative lack of corruption, discipline, and capability, especially in facing external threats. However, the Indian governments, both federal and state, don't appear to prioritize veterans beyond what is mandated by law or service conditions.
Issues faced by veterans are not as publicized or visible in Indian society and politics as they are in the USA. While there is a general respect for veterans, this doesn't always translate into concrete actions. In a developing nation like India, other priorities take precedence. From my limited personal experience, retired officers from the armed forces tend to have decent lives post-retirement. They often continue using their designations and secure good jobs in the civilian sector or pursue further education. They are well-regarded in society, and their pensions, in the Indian context, are substantial.
On the other hand, non-officers may not have as favorable conditions post-retirement. Their career options and pensions are comparatively lower, although the armed forces continue to extend certain rights to them, such as medical care and other benefits. Officer in military must be utilized and should be given priorities over the good jobs keeping their experience, dedication and discipline into consideration.

Post-Retirement Engagement of Veterans

First army man never retires; he is on duty after retirement. Normally, we find them fit and fine physically and mentally due to their discipline in army. But for post-retirement engagement is must and for this purpose post-retirement gave them a name and an honour as Veterans and a government job. Their skill and discipline acquire in armed force often make them valuable assets in various fields, including corporate jobs, entrepreneurship and consultancy. Government, semi-government and private factories gave preference to the ex-service man in army. Not only jobs even veterans opt for further education after retirement. They may pursue degrees or certificates to enhance their skills and knowledge in a civilian context.
Veterans are assets because they possess vast experience and remain actively engaged in their local communities. They participate in social work, contribute to local development projects, or join veterans' organizations that focus on community services. The unique skills acquired during military service, such as leadership, discipline, and crisis management, can be applied in various civilian roles. Some veterans choose careers in security management, training, or consultancy. A growing number of veterans are involved in social engagements and provide jobs to others.
There are veterans who continue their training programs. Veterans often engage in social initiatives to address issues affecting their peers. This may involve advocating for veterans' rights, mental health awareness, or supporting those in need. Veterans frequently maintain connections with their military colleagues, fostering a sense of camaraderie and providing networking opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
It's essential to note that the post-retirement engagement of veterans is diverse, and individuals make choices based on their interests, skills, and the opportunities available to them. The transition from military to civilian life can be facilitated through supportive policies, awareness programs, and societal recognition of the valuable contributions of veterans.

Present Status of Veterans

Veterans are brave wherever they will be, they have learned to live life in every situation. They have seen tough conditions and have served on tough terrains have lived life under proper management system. The well-being of veterans in India varies, with factors such as post-service employment, family support, and overall life satisfaction playing crucial roles. Some veterans successfully transition to civilian life, finding fulfilling careers and actively participating in community activities. Challenges may exist for others, especially those who face difficulties in adapting to civilian life or dealing with service-related health issues. Veterans in India are entitled to medical benefits provided by the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), a healthcare scheme run by the Indian Armed Forces for retired personnel and their dependents. ECHS aims to provide quality medical services, including outpatient treatment, hospitalization, and diagnostic services. The government, through various initiatives, extends social support to veterans. This includes pension benefits, disability benefits, and other allowances based on their service records. Veterans' welfare is overseen by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) under the Ministry of Defence. The pension system for veterans is an essential component of their social support. It provides financial assistance to retired military personnel based on their rank, length of service, and other factors. The One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme aims to ensure uniform pension payments for veterans who retired at the same rank and with the same length of service, regardless of the date of retirement. The government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may run rehabilitation programs for veterans, focusing on skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Veterans often engage with their communities, participating in social events and contributing to local development projects. The camaraderie among veterans remains strong, fostering a sense of community and support. It's important to note that while there are support systems in place, challenges and variations in the well-being of veterans exist. The government periodically reviews and updates policies to enhance the welfare of veterans in India. Veterans are assets and can be used in multi-purpose levels. They are the guides, mentors, builders, and think tanks that we need to respect and honor, utilizing their expertise in society for the greater cause.

Email:--------------------vadaiekashmir@gmail.com