A mega ex-servicemen rally was organised at the Artillery Centre, Nashik Road, under the aegis of Headquarters Southern Command of the Indian Army to honour veterans and their families, the Ministry of Defence said through PIB on 25 October 2026.
Who attended the ex-servicemen rally
Lt Gen DS Kushwah, General Officer Commanding Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, attended as the chief guest. The rally brought together ex-servicemen and their families from the Nashik, Dhule and Nandurbar districts of Maharashtra, the release said. A key feature was the felicitation of Veer Naris, the widows of soldiers. Wheelchairs and hearing aids were distributed, and the orphaned children of soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation were also honoured. Veteran achievers were recognised for their accomplishments and their continuing association with the armed forces. The ministry described the felicitation as a tribute to people who still uphold the values of service, sacrifice and commitment after leaving uniform.
Key Facts
- Event: Mega ex-servicemen rally
- Venue: Artillery Centre, Nashik Road
- Organiser: HQ Southern Command, Indian Army
- Chief guest: Lt Gen DS Kushwah, GOC MG&G Area
- Districts covered: Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar
Pension, SPARSH and Aadhaar help for veterans
The rally worked as a single window for welfare services, according to PIB. Dedicated counters were set up for pension and grievance redressal, Aadhaar and SPARSH assistance, medical services and other veteran-focused support, so that many problems could be resolved on the spot. SPARSH is the defence ministry’s online system for sanctioning and paying defence pensions. Representatives of various departments and agencies met veterans directly and helped them with individual grievances and with getting the benefits they are entitled to. The release said particular emphasis was placed on easy access to welfare schemes and on making sure veterans and their families get timely help. The Zila Sainik Welfare Organisations of Dhule and Nashik districts gave financial assistance to beneficiaries of state welfare schemes. Representatives of different departments were present at the counters to deal with cases directly, the ministry said.
Indian Army says commitment to veterans continues
Speaking at the event, Lt Gen Kushwah thanked the ex-servicemen for their selfless service and sacrifices for the nation. He reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and well-being of veterans and their families, the release said. The ministry said the rally reflected the principle of “Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier” and the resolve of the armed forces to stay connected with the veteran community and address its concerns with empathy and due priority. The release did not give the number of veterans who attended or the total amount of financial assistance handed out, so those figures are not reported here. It called the event a tribute to veterans who continue to inspire younger generations.
Source: PIB Mumbai, Ministry of Defence, 25 Oct 2026 · SPARSH, Ministry of Defence
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