Shillong: The Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, celebrated Veterans Day on Sunday, with a grand event at its headquarters in Shillong.
The occasion paid tribute to the bravery and dedication of the men and women who served the force, recognising their invaluable contributions to the nation’s security.
Veterans, Veer Naris, and senior officials gathered to commemorate the legacy of the Assam Rifles.
The day began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial, followed by speeches from senior officers who highlighted the sacrifices and achievements of the force’s veterans.
The Assam Rifles boasts a legacy of over 97,000 ex-servicemen across the country, including 587 Veer Naris.
To oversee their welfare, the organization operates 35 Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Soldiers Association (ARESA) centres across India and three Pension Paying Offices in Nepal.
A special Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Rally was also held in Shillong under the theme “Serving Those Who Served Us.”
The event drew over 118 ex-servicemen from across Meghalaya, including gallantry awardees, widows, and dependents.
The rally featured medical camps, ECHS helpdesks, banking services, and grievance redressal cells to address the needs of the veteran community.
Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, and Director General of Assam Rifles, graced the event as the chief guest.
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In his address, he praised the unwavering contributions of the veterans and serving soldiers from Meghalaya, emphasising their critical role in ensuring the security and prosperity of the Northeast and the nation.
Veer Naris, ex-servicemen, and widows were felicitated during the ceremony.
Across the country, ARESA centres engaged with ex-servicemen to honour their service and distribute sweets, further strengthening bonds within the Assam Rifles family.
Veterans Day not only celebrates the Assam Rifles’ rich history but also reinforces the unity and camaraderie between its serving and retired personnel, fostering pride and connection among its members.
