Indian Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan emphasizes the need for continued support and care for veterans and their families, praising initiatives undertaken for their welfare.
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, visited the Sainya Sampark Mela – Sadaiv Aapke Saath in Deoghar, Jharkhand on October 10, 2026. The Indian Army and the local administration organized this event to provide welfare services and grievance redressal facilities for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris (war widows) and their dependents across the Santhal Pargana region.
During his address, Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of supporting veterans, emphasizing that while soldiers have always stood with the Nation, the Nation must stand with them and their families. He called for a lasting national commitment to their welfare, ensuring their sacrifices are honored and they receive the respect, support, and care they deserve.
He paid tribute to veterans and Veer Naris for their invaluable sacrifices and contributions to the Nation. Describing veterans as an important national resource, he said that their experience could guide the youth and their leadership could contribute significantly to nation-building. Saluting the Veer Naris, he observed that behind every soldier serving at the border stands a family that shares the sacrifices and responsibilities of military service.
Recalling his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, Radhakrishnan highlighted the State’s proud tradition of service to the Nation. He paid tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka and recalled the contributions of tribal freedom fighters, including Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu and Kanhu, and Nilambar and Pitambar. He said that the spirit of patriotism and national service continued to inspire the people of Jharkhand.
Radhakrishnan also appreciated various welfare initiatives undertaken for veterans and Veer Naris, including the fulfilment of the long-standing demand for One Rank, One Pension under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He praised the single-window mechanism at the Mela, which brings pension-related assistance, medical facilities, documentation services, and grievance redressal under one platform as a meaningful example of last-mile delivery.
The Vice-President toured various stalls at the Sainya Sampark Mela, including displays of weapons and military equipment, disaster relief facilities, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) services, medical screening and blood donation camps, women’s health awareness initiatives, NCC activities and pension-related services. He also interacted with veterans, beneficiaries and other people attending the Mela.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
