General Upendra Dwivedi Honours Five Veterans with Achievers Award in Lucknow for Social Contributions
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, recognized five veterans for their outstanding contributions to nation-building and community empowerment during his visit to Lucknow. These individuals were honored under the Veteran Achievers Award initiative, which celebrates former Armed Forces members who continue to exhibit dedication and discipline in serving society after their military careers.
This award underscores the persistent spirit of service among ex-servicemen who remain committed to the nation's welfare post-retirement. The awardees have made significant impacts in fields such as healthcare, education, veteran welfare, employment generation, legal aid, and social upliftment.
Brigadier Vinod Kumar Baranwal (Retd) received recognition for his work in healthcare, particularly ophthalmic care. Utilizing his military and medical expertise, he provides ethical and affordable eye care to veterans, ensuring access to quality medical assistance for former soldiers and their families.
Colonel M M Ghosh (Retd) was acknowledged for his dedication to social welfare in his hometown. In his retirement, he has actively supported community initiatives by distributing food, medicines, school supplies, and organizing medical check-ups for over 1,000 students, helping to deliver essential healthcare services to those in need.
Lieutenant Colonel Krishna Chandra Mishra (Retd) was honored for his efforts in veteran welfare and youth empowerment in Uttar Pradesh's Basti District. His work focuses on improving the lives of ex-servicemen, their families, and young people, embodying the Army’s principle of service before self and playing a crucial role in societal development.
Subedar Major Raghu Raj Singh was recognized for his active role in the welfare of ex-servicemen, focusing on re-employment and resettlement. His initiatives have created job opportunities for over 800 ex-servicemen in Indian Railways and more than 300 in the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation, significantly aiding their post-service employment prospects.
Sergeant Mahendra Kumar Singh was commended for his legal support to war widows, Veer Naris, and their families. Following his retirement, he began practicing law in Lucknow, where he has played a crucial role in assisting families of soldiers with legal challenges and accessing their rightful benefits.
The COAS's recognition of these veterans highlights their ongoing contributions to public life, reflecting the Indian Army’s respect and support for its retired personnel. It underscores the enduring values of service, sacrifice, and a commitment to the nation among veterans.
The achievements of these five individuals illustrate that service to the country extends beyond retirement. Through their work in medical care, education, social welfare, employment, and legal assistance, they continue to make significant impacts on the lives of citizens, veterans, and the families of soldiers.
Furthermore, the event emphasized the vital role of the veteran community in fostering a united and stronger India, showcasing how military-developed skills in leadership and compassion can be harnessed for societal benefit.
The Veteran Achievers Award conveys a clear message: "Service is a lifelong journey — building a stronger, united India."
