Port Blair, Jan 16:Together with the rest of the Country, Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated in these Islands too, in a betting manner. Jan.14 every year is commemorated as Armed Forces Veterans Day as a mark of respect and recognition to the services rendered by Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Indian Chief of Indian Army who retired from service on Jan. 14, 1953.
To mark the day, a felicitation function was organized by the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration at the historic National Memorial Cellular Jail in which about 40 Armed Forces Veterans were felicitated in recognition of their selfless devotion and exemplary service to the Nation. The Secretary (Art & Culture/Tourism), Mr. Hari Kallikkat, IAS, as the chief guest felicitated the veterans by presenting those shawls and mementos.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary (Art & Culture/Tourism) greeted the veterans and their family members on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day. Appreciating the selfless devotion and exemplary service rendered by the veterans for the Country, the Secretary said, the citizens will ever remain indebted to the immense contribution of the veterans towards the Nation. The conduct of the felicitation function in the National Memorial Cellular Jail premises has made the event a memorable one, the Secretary said.
Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS (Probationer) also felicitated the veterans by presenting those shawls and mementos.
In his address, Col. K V Cherian, VSM & Bar President, Ex Servicemen League said that 14th of January is commemorated as Armed Forces Veterans Day as a mark of respect and recognition for the services rendered by Field Marshal KM Cariappa.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Assistant Director, Art & Culture, Dr. Rashida Iqbal said, this Day is observed to pay tribute to the exemplary service rendered by the veterans to the Country. She also thanked all the veterans for accepting the invitation and gracing the felicitation function.
