General Dhiraj Seth Felicitates Five Veterans with Yoddha Seva Samman at Western Command
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, during his ongoing visit to Western Command, felicitated five retired soldiers with the Yoddha Seva Samman, an honour that recognises veterans who continue to serve society and contribute to nation-building after leaving active military service.
The five awardees were Colonel Mandip Grewal, SM* (Retd), Honorary Captain Balwinder Singh (Retd), Honorary Captain Dharam Singh (Retd), Honorary Captain Ashok Singh (Retd) and Dafadar Pratap Singh (Retd).
The Yoddha Seva Samman carries the message “Karm Se Gaurav, Seva Se Vijay” — translated as “Honour Through Action, Victory Through Service” — and is intended to acknowledge members of the veteran community whose sense of duty has continued beyond the uniform. The honour reflects the Army’s effort to recognise former servicemen who remain engaged in public life and community development after retirement.
According to the details shared during the felicitation, the honoured veterans have worked across a wide range of fields, including veteran welfare, youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation and community service. Their post-retirement engagement was highlighted as an extension of the discipline, responsibility and service ethos shaped during their years in the Army.
General Seth acknowledged the continuing contribution made by the veteran community to society and to the larger national cause. He praised the awardees for preserving their spirit of service after retirement and for working towards the welfare and development of communities.
The ceremony also drew attention to the Indian Army’s long-standing relationship with its veteran fraternity. Even after active duty ends, veterans continue to contribute in multiple ways — by mentoring younger generations, supporting fellow ex-servicemen and participating in social and community initiatives in different parts of the country.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the Indian Army’s enduring bond with veterans and emphasised the institution’s commitment to recognising meaningful service rendered beyond active military duty. In that sense, the Yoddha Seva Samman serves not only as a personal honour for individual awardees, but also as a broader acknowledgement that service to the nation does not end with retirement or remain confined to the battlefield.
The recognition of the five veterans also reflects the wider role ex-servicemen continue to play in public life. Through work in education, social service, environmental efforts and youth empowerment, former soldiers remain active contributors to nation-building, carrying forward military values into civilian society.
