Veterans Day, 2021 was celebrated by Army for the Veterans, Veer Nari, Veer Mata and Veer Pita of Kupwara in Degree College, Kupwara on 13 January 2021 .
The Veterans were invited from all the far flung villages of Hyhama, Kalaroos, Awra, Zarhama, Trehgam, Panzgam to Kupwara Town. The Veterans braved the chilling weather and snow clad roads to reach the venue.
The function commenced with opening address by ZSWO Mr Javed Ahmed Zargar and welcome speech by Commander 68 Mountain Brigade.
The auditorium reverberated with sentiments and pride thereafter when National Anthem was sung by all attendees.
15 Veer Nari and one Veer Pita , in recognition of their sacrifices and to express solidarity with them, were falicitated by the Army.
Group photographs under the National Flag were organised and tea for all (sponsored by Hotel Shahanshah, Kupwara) was organised alongwith informal interaction between every one.
The event proceeded ahead with interactive sessions with Mr Naveed Anjun Dar, J&K Bank and Mr Mudasir, SBI wherein Veterans could resolve their issues with pay, pensions and various other dealings and responsibilities of the banks. The bank representatives clarified many grievances and noted a few for future redressal.
Honorary Captain and SM Nisar Ahmad Wani addressed the gathering regarding all the welfare schemes for the Veterans, clarified certain queries interactively and called upon them to reap all the benefits from Govt Schemes. Booklets containing all the welfare schemes was distributed to the attendees which would further assist them for reference.
A Grievance Form was circulated to all wherein the details of attendees and their grievances were filled up and collected for further follow up actions by Army.
Interactions further continued over lunch organised for all in the Degree College premises wherein Servicemen and Ex Servicemen shared meal, experiences and hearty laughs .
The counters of CSD and Medical checkup & Medicine Distribution complemented the event. The free medicines were sponsored by NGO, Goonj Foundation for the Veterans.
The security arrangements of the venue and traffic control by Army and JK Police symbolized the synergy between security forces in Kupwara. The premises were enthusiastically let out and arranged for the event by Prof Farooq Malik, Principal, Degree College and other staff members.
The event played a platform for coming together for all the Veterans and recognising the sacrifices of Veer Naris. It also cemented the strong bond between the serving persons and their Veterans and the connect between Jawan and Awam.
The Veterans departed happily having their issues addressed and grievances heard with expressions of Thank You Army in their moist eyes.
