General Upendra Dwivedi Presents 'Veteran Achievers Award' to Distinguished Veterans in Bengaluru
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), honoured four veterans with the Veteran Achievers Award during a visit to Bengaluru. The award recognises their significant contributions to nation-building, social welfare, and community empowerment.
The ceremony celebrated individuals who have made notable impacts beyond their military careers, excelling in fields such as agriculture, public administration, veteran welfare, and digital awareness initiatives.
Among those honoured was Havildar SC Thimmaiah (Retd), acknowledged for revolutionising rural livelihoods in Kodagu through integrated agro-farming practices. His efforts in promoting multi-cropping and labour-saving techniques have been recognised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and earned him the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.
Colonel SS Rajan (Retd) received recognition for his extensive work in veteran welfare and resettlement, advocating for ex-servicemen and liaising with state authorities on their behalf. He has also been instrumental in organising significant events such as Kargil Diwas and Vijay Diwas at the National Military Memorial in Bengaluru.
Colonel Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandaray (Retd) was recognised for his role in public administration and legal advocacy, particularly as Chairman of the Lok Adalat under the Karnataka High Court where he resolved numerous veteran grievances. He has also led various social initiatives supporting economically disadvantaged groups and has inspired youth to pursue careers in the Armed Forces.
Commander Veeraghava Kuppuswamy Santhanam (Retd) was honoured for his use of digital platforms to assist the veteran community, particularly in raising awareness about Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) policies. Through more than 128 videos and hospital-based assistance, he has facilitated veterans' access to healthcare benefits and reimbursement processes.
General Dwivedi praised the awardees for their unwavering commitment to society, underscoring that their contributions embody a lasting spirit of service beyond active duty.
The initiative underscores the Indian Army's dedication to recognising veterans who continue to make vital contributions to nation-building and community development.
