Often, we acknowledge the undeniable and challenging task of Veer Jawans and overlook the real Naris- (the brave lady) behind every Veer Jawan protecting and giving safety and security to our nation. Symbolically, the real heroine is at home and sees personal matters of the Jawan which made him positive and tension free. All-important family matters taken by the Naris for the Veers at home all alone is altogether a challenging task.

In army terminology, the widow of an armed forces member who has laid down his life for the nation, whether in war or a military operation, is called a Veer Nari. The honor of the window of a soldier is to ensure Veer Naris pride, dignity and assistance. The practice was initiated first by the army, now all forces. Historically, in 1997 two young war widows walked into the office of Ranjana Malik, wife of then Army Chief Gen. V.P. Malik at the Army Wives Welfare Association in Delhi. “I do not want to live my entire life on my husband’s pension. I would rather wear his uniform,” 27-year-old Ravinder Jeet Randhawa told Ranjana. Ravinder was the widow of Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa, martyred in action while leading a counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 1997. She was accompanied by 25-year-old Sabina Singh; her husband, a helicopter pilot, had died in a crash in the northeast. Ranjana Malik requested General Malik, who then headed the Army to intervene and he took up the case with the defense ministry. Ravinder and Sabina passed out from the OTA in September 1998, making the Indian Army the first in the world to commission widows of its fallen soldiers as officers.
Eight months after the death of her husband, Major Sukhwinder Jeet Randhawa, and with a one-year-old daughter in her lap, Ravinder Jeet Randhawa joined the Indian Army. Now a lieutenant colonel, Ravinder Jeet, 51, is the first Veer Nari, or martyr’s widow, to join the force. Maj Randhawa would often say, "I want to raise my child in an army background for it's a beautiful organization." And so two years after Major Randhawa had made the ultimate sacrifice, his wife Ravinder then 27 yrs old, became the first veer naari to don the Olive Green keeping his memory & legacy alive. His inspiring words gave her the courage to join the Army even when age was not on her side.
Sukhwinder’s 2 Rashtriya Rifles battalion was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. On June 17, based on intelligence inputs, Sukhwinder reached Kashipora village in Anantnag district. The terrorists fired on the troops and Sukhwinder was hit, but he soldiered on and shot a terrorist dead. He then killed another one who had been launching grenades. Seeing Sukhwinder bleeding heavily, one of his men tried to move him to a safer location. “Tu meri fikar chhod, uss terrorist komaar (Don’t worry about me, go get that terrorist),” he said. While his bravery spurred the others to fight back, Sukhwinder soon succumbed to his injuries. For his courage, fighting spirit, camaraderie and supreme sacrifice, the government honored him with the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Ravinder accepted the medal on her husband’s behalf in April 1998, about a year later, in her Officers Training Academy (OTA) uniform. She had wanted to continue his legacy and had taken the torch from him.
After talking to her father-in-law, who was a former Army man, Ravinder reached out to Ranjana Malik, wife of then Army chief General Ved Prakash Malik. Seeing her determination, Ranjana took up her case with the defense ministry and a special waiver was arranged. In December 1997, Ravinder cleared the Service Selection Board exam and joined the OTA in Chennai in March 1998. After graduation, she joined the Ordnance Corps.
Having the highest number of war widows in the world, India has less experience of war widows, Warrior Women’s or Women of the Warriors? The life of a Veer Nari, the courageous wife of a soldier, is undeniably challenging. Balancing the responsibilities of being a devoted wife, a pillar of the family, and a steadfast supporter of the Army, these women embody resilience and strength that often go unrecognized. Despite India having the fourth largest and one of the most disciplined armed forces in the world, the issues faced by Veer Naris in their daily lives, both within the family and beyond, require deeper understanding, respect, and support.
This reality is made all the more poignant by the controversies that have long surrounded marriage and remarriage for these brave women. Their rights, freedoms, and dignity must never be confined to stereotypical roles or limited to the kitchen. Instead, special provisions and protections must be established to safeguard their well-being and honor, acknowledging their sacrifices alongside those of their soldier husbands. It is essential that laws be enacted to secure and respect their daily lives, recognizing the unique challenges they face as war widows.
In this spirit, the Khaki Association, a dedicated NGO, has taken a remarkable step toward honoring these unsung heroines through the Veer Naari Samman event. This unique and heartfelt ceremony celebrates the sacrifice, courage, and legacy of the martyrs by recognizing over hundreds, Veer Naris, the wives of brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for the nation. This event is not only a tribute but a powerful affirmation of the respect and gratitude owed to these women who continue to uphold the spirit of patriotism and resilience in the face of profound loss.
The Khaki Association’s work goes beyond mere recognition. It is committed to honoring India’s martyrs, supporting their families, and fostering a spirit of nationalism among citizens. Through years of grassroots efforts and heartfelt engagement, the organization has actively worked to keep alive the memories and sacrifices of our brave soldiers and security personnel. Their initiatives include tribute and remembrance programs, interactions with Veer Naris and families of fallen heroes, and felicitation ceremonies for veterans and serving personnel. These efforts serve to highlight the courage and sacrifices made in service to the nation, ensuring that these stories of bravery inspire future generations.
By documenting and sharing personal stories, visiting martyrs’ families, and organizing community events across diverse regions, the Khaki Association bridges the gap between the public and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The organization provides a meaningful platform where citizens can express gratitude and respect towards the armed forces, police, and security personnel, thereby strengthening national unity and pride.
The beauty of the Veer Naari Samman event lies in its heartfelt acknowledgment that the sacrifices made by soldiers extend deeply into the lives of their families, especially their wives. These women bear the emotional weight of their loved ones’ service and loss and often face social and economic challenges alone. Honoring their courage publicly not only uplifts their spirits but also sends a powerful message that their sacrifices are recognized and valued by the nation. It fosters a community of support and solidarity, empowering Veer Naris to live with dignity and pride.
Driven by the motto of remembering those who gave everything for the country, the Khaki Association continues to tirelessly preserve the spirit of patriotism and uphold the legacy of India’s martyrs. The Veer Naari Samman event stands as a shining example of this commitment, celebrating the strength, honor, and resilience of the women who stand beside our heroes, embodying the true spirit of sacrifice and love for the nation.
In honoring over hundreds of Veer Naris at this unique event, the Khaki Association not only pays tribute to the individual stories of bravery and sacrifice but also reinforces the collective respect and gratitude of the entire nation. It is a celebration of courage that transcends the battlefield, acknowledging the sacrifices made in homes and hearts across India.
Through such powerful initiatives, the Khaki Association ensures that the legacy of our martyrs and their families is not forgotten but lives on as a source of inspiration and national pride for generations to come.
Such an event not only encourages the Nari but also boosts the morale of the Jawans by deepening their respect for the Khaki. The event was warmly hailed by the local people, who shared their appreciation widely, making the occasion even more impactful and emotional. A particularly moving aspect of the event was the narration of the personal stories of each Veer Nari, which brought to light their sacrifices and strength, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. This heartfelt storytelling created a powerful connection between the audience and the brave women honored, further enriching the significance of the ceremony.

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