During a recent visit to Lucknow, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi honored five distinguished veterans for their remarkable contributions to nation-building and community empowerment. The event was part of the Veteran Achievers Award initiative, designed to recognize former members of the Armed Forces who continue to serve society with the same commitment and dedication they exhibited during their military careers.
The awards underscore the lasting spirit of service that ex-servicemen exhibit, demonstrating their ongoing attachment to the country’s welfare even after retirement. The recipients have made significant impacts in various sectors, including healthcare, education, veteran support, employment generation, legal assistance, and social upliftment.
Brigadier Vinod Kumar Baranwal (Retd) received recognition for his transformative work in healthcare, particularly in ophthalmic care. Leveraging his extensive military and medical background, he offers ethical, affordable, and patient-centered eye care specifically for veterans and their families. His efforts have facilitated access to quality medical services while preserving dignity and trust among his patients.
Colonel M M Ghosh (Retd) was acknowledged for his tireless commitment to social welfare in his local community. Post-retirement, he has actively distributed food, medicine, school uniforms, and stationery to over 1,000 children. Additionally, he has organized free medical check-ups for disadvantaged individuals, ensuring essential healthcare reaches those in need.
Lieutenant Colonel Krishna Chandra Mishra (Retd) was honored for his dedicated work in veteran welfare and youth empowerment within Basti District, Uttar Pradesh. His commitment reflects the Army’s core ethos of “service before self,” showcasing the vital role veterans play in enhancing societal structures at the grassroots level. He continues to advocate for the well-being of ex-servicemen and their families, alongside the youth in the community.
Subedar Major Raghu Raj Singh earned recognition for his proactive engagement in ex-servicemen welfare, focusing on areas like re-employment and the resolution of land-related issues. His initiatives have significantly impacted retired military personnel, helping over 800 ex-servicemen find jobs with Indian Railways and an additional 300 in the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation.
Sergeant Mahendra Kumar Singh was recognized for his legal advocacy for war widows, Veer Naris, and their dependents. Following his retirement, he set up an independent legal practice in Lucknow, dedicating himself to aiding the families of soldiers by guiding them through legal obstacles and securing their rightful entitlements.
The event highlighted the broader contributions of veterans in various public life domains and emphasized the Indian Army’s enduring respect for its retired personnel. It celebrated those who embody the values of service, sacrifice, and a commitment to the nation.
The stories of these five veterans exemplify that service does not conclude with military retirement. Whether impacting healthcare, education, social welfare, employment, or legal matters, each has continued to create a significant effect in the lives of citizens, fellow veterans, and the families of soldiers.
Moreover, the occasion underscored the broader mission of the veteran community in fostering a stronger, more unified India. Their initiatives showcase how the discipline, leadership, and compassion cultivated during military service can powerfully contribute to societal growth.
The overarching message of the Veteran Achievers Award initiative is clear: “Service is a lifelong journey — building a stronger, united India.”
