08.01.2023 : Maharashtra Governor flags off Veterans’ Parade; greets War Veterans

Publish Date: January 8, 2023

Maharashtra Governor flags off Veterans’ Parade; greets War Veterans

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari flagged off the 2nd edition of the Parade of Veterans of the Armed Forces from the promonade opposite NCPA, Nariman Point Mumbai on Sunday (8 Jan).

The Governor greeted the War veterans, Veer Naris and Ex Servicemen from the armed forces and walked a few steps with them as an expression of solidarity with them. Hundreds of youths, members of the armed forces and citizens cheered the Veterans as they marched towards the Marine Drive amidst the chanting of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jay’.

The Parade of Veterans was organised by the Navy Foundation, Mumbai Chapter in association with the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command. The Parade was held after a gap of two years.

More than 500 war veterans putting on their ceremonial dress with caps and Medals marched from NCPA to Marine Drive and back. War veterans, some in wheelchairs, gallantry awardees and other retired senior officers participated in the march.

Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, GOC in C, Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat Area Lt. Gen HS Kahlon, President of the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter Commander Vijay Vadhera were present. Officers and jawans of the armed forces, War Veterans, ex servicemen and their family members and citizens were present in large numbers.

According to the Navy Foundation, the objective of celebrating Veterans Day is to bring about compassion, empathy and respect for the Veterans from the people. It is a unique initiative of Indian Defence Services to acknowledge and honor the selfless devotion and sacrifice by our Veterans who even after retiring, are always in search of opportunities to serve the Nation.

According to Cdr Vadhera, the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter had conducted India’s first Veterans Day Parade on Sunday 12th Jan 2020 at the Marine Drive. It invoked a lot of interest amongst the students as well as the citizens of Mumbai when they saw on Sunday morning about 500 War Veterans including Veer Naaris, coming from the suburbs, proudly marching putting on their ceremonial dress with Medals . Due to Covid, the Parade could not be held in 2021 & 2022.