New Delhi, 14 Jan: IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari stated that the Indian armed forces have evolved in response to changing times to tackle the challenges of all forms of warfare.
In his presentation at an event commemorating the 8th Armed Forces Veterans Day, he also stated that the indomitable spirit, leadership, and vision of its veterans created the groundwork for today’s armed forces.
The function, held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, was also attended by Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, numerous senior officials from the three Services, and a huge number of veterans and their families. “The Indian armed forces, we will all agree, are one of finest in the world, and have transformed with changing times to meet the challenges of the entire spectrum of warfare,” the prime minister added.
The Indian Air Force, in particular, has developed from humble beginnings just around 90 years ago to become one of the world’s most potent air forces, according to the IAF head.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari noted that this was only achievable because to the forces’ veterans’ long-term efforts and exemplary service.
I am grateful for the outstanding sacrifices of all of our veterans, whose strong spirit, leadership, and vision have created the groundwork for today’s armed forces, he stated.
Today is also a day to memorialize all warriors who gave their lives for the country, according to the IAF head, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty”.
The IAF, the youngest of the Services, is just 91 years old. As of December 31, 2023, “we have on record, 2,21,204 veterans,” he remarked. The IAF head stated that it has taken a concerted effort to reach out to every veteran.
“I am aware there are teething issues, we are taking up these issues constantly with the service providers and the Controller General of Defence Accounts,” he went on to say.
In his speech, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also gave information on SPARSH and other programs. The System for Pension Administration (Raksha), sometimes known as SPARSH, is a web-based system for processing pension claims and paying them directly into the bank accounts of defense pensioners without the use of an external middleman.
In the previous year, 1.85 lakh legacy pensioners were shifted to SPARSH,” the IAF chief stated. In his remarks, the Navy chief emphasized the veterans’ contributions to the armed services.
“I can confidently state that our current armed forces are the result of visionary leadership, unwavering efforts, and selfless service by our veterans. I’d want to promise each and every one of you that we will leave no stone unturned in continuing on this heritage,” Admiral Kumar stated. To that end, the Navy’s efforts have been centered on being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-proof force, he stated.
“While pursuing our many operational commitments, the ‘Bharatiya Nav Sena’ remains committed to ensuring the welfare of our ex-servicemen,” the Navy chief said. Admiral Kumar stated that the Navy has taken a multi-pronged strategy to addressing the myriad difficulties that our veteran population faces, including proactive outreach, constructive contact, and consistent communication. He mentioned that the outreach effort had been enhanced.
“We are aware that the serving Navy is a transit Navy, while the veteran Navy is a permanent Navy, that is where finally all of us will reach,” stated the Navy’s chief of staff.
The Indian Navy is honored to continue to benefit from “your experience and wisdom,” and it looks forward to “your invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and candid suggestions to help us better address issues faced by both the services and the veteran community,” he said.
