FIFTH INDIAN VETERANS DAY PARADE - 2026
THE WILLINGNESS WITH WHICH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LIKELY TO SERVE IN ANY WAR, NO MATTER HOW JUSTIFIED, SHALL BE DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL AS TO HOW THEY PERCEIVE THE VETERANS OF EARLIER WARS WERE TREATED AND APPRECIATED BY THEIR NATION – GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON
History is replete with examples of an event happening for the first time at any place and time, going into the annals of history, creating sweet memories for the Gen next. One such historic event that shall be cherished by our country for times to come, was held on 12 Jan 2020 on the promenade of Marine Drive, Mumbai – The first ever Veterans Day Parade in India. An event worthy of emulation by not only the other Navy Foundation Chapters, but also the foundations of Army and Air Force pan-India. (Blog link on First Veterans Day Parade at the bottom) For the next two years Covid Pandemic gripped the world in its tentacles and the planned Veteran Day Parades for 2021 and 2022 had to be shelved. But that didn’t deter the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter. In every drawback we seek an opportunity however challenging it may seem. When we did perform the second Veterans Day Parade 3 years later, on 08 Jan 2023, with Governer Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari not only flagging off the Parade, but marching in steps with the Veterans, Mumbai and the Nation looked up. The News like a Flash travelled Pan-India. The Success that was phenomenal and unprecedented can be gauged by the fact that hordes of Mumbaikars had flanked the sides of the Parade, shouted slogans and loudly sang Patriotic songs in unison, that could be heard miles away. 0n 7 Feb 2024 the Parade was flagged off by then Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bais at same time same place, in the presence of VAdm SJ Singh, FOCinC West and Flag Offrs of the 3 services. At the NCPA, Chief Minister Shri Ek Nath Shinde paid a surprise visit to felicitate the War Veterans Capt Raj Mohindra and Naik Deep Chand, the Kargil War Hero whose both legs and right Arm had been amputed.
The Dawn of the magical 2025, had been brilliant for our fine Indian Navy. History was created with unprecedented commissioning of 3 Ships on the same day : destroyer INS Surat, stealth frigate INS Nilgiri and Submarine INS Vaghsheer by our PM Shri Narendra Modi on 15th Jan 2025. Cmde Ranjit Rai, a renowned Maritime Historian with a personal Maritime Museum to boast, who was here for the 4th Veterans Day Parade and Launch of his Pictorial book on IN History, quipped, “20 years from now, Indian Navy shall be a Force to reckon with in the world”. An AIR FM Rainbow on 11 Jan was organised in which Cdr Vadhera, Cmde Sriant Kesnur, Cdr Raj Dutta, LtCdr Niati Hirway and Col Vijay brought to the Mumbaikars, Life in the Armed Forces and the events of the Veterans Day in the Afternoon show by RJ Preeti. Next day on 12 Jan 2025 the Parade was flagged off by then Mah Governor (now Vice President) H.E. Shri CP Radhakrishnan. After the Parade felicitation ceremony was conducted at NCPA followed by High Tea for all.
GENESIS
The concept of the Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day), dates back to 11 Nov 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to his countrymen on the first Armistice Day, in which he expressed what the day meant to the Americans and honoured the Military Veterans of WW-I. Every year on November 11th at exactly 1100 hrs local time, every train in America and Canada comes to a standstill to observe a minute’s silence, followed by One Long Whistle, in memory of those who served in their military. Similarly, every year on 25 Apr since 1942, Australia & New Zealand have been celebrating the ANZAC day as their National day of reverence. The ANZAC DAY Parade is held every year in Australia in honour of the martyrs and Veterans of Austrlia, New Zealand and british India who landed in Gallipoli on 25 Apr 1942. In UK it’s called ‘Remembrance Day’ and held on 11th Nov every year. In Germany , it is known as ‘Volistrauertag Day’ and held on closest Sunday to 16th Nov every year. In Netherlands , it is called ‘Dodenherdenking Day’ and held on 04th May every year. These countries have been celebrating the Veterans day on their prominent dates since long, but the concept in India is just taking roots.
A need was felt to dedicate a Day for our Veterans due to two primary reasons : One - to honour them; Two – to resolve the problems faced by them after retirement. Four years ago, It was decided by the Army Headquarters and instructions were issued to all Sainik Welfare departments in the country to observe 14 Jan as the Veterans Day, the day when the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, who led the Indian forces to Victory in 1947 War, hung his uniform in 1953.
FIFTH VETERANS DAY PARADE - 11 Jan 2026
Immense planning and preparation by President NFMC, Cdr Vijay Vadhera, resulted in the yet another phenomenal Success of the 5th Veterans Day Parade. An AIR FM Rainbow on 10 Jan was organised by Cmde Srikant Kesnur in which Capt Raj Dutta, Capt Sumit Bhatnagar with their good ladies Meena and Blossom and our enterprising Veer Nari Mrs Mukti ghosh brought to the Mumbaikars, Life in the Armed Forces and the events of the Veterans Day in the Afternoon show by RJ Mrunmayee Manaja.
The earnest preparation for the 5th Veterans Day Parade began about six months ago. Cdr Vijay Vadhera, President NFMC called on the Mah Governor H.E. Achaya Devvrat on 23 Sep 2024 to extend a formal invitation to flag Off the 5th Veterans Day Parade on Marine Drive on 11 Jan 2026. (ie a Sunday prior to 14 Jan.) The Call-on of was successful and the Governor ready agreed to our proposal. Cdr Vadhera met Ms Irani and discussed the post Parade arrangements and the felicitation function as was done last year. During our VCons with Committee members Cdr Vadhera discussed other nitty gritties of the Parade including the format of Parade formation, detailing all CMs for various duties. An Ambulance with a Doc accompanying the Parade, conveying of SCC cadets to the Venue and back, detailing of Committee members for the smooth conduct of Parade and later the felicitation function in NCPA. Cdr Vadhera also called on GOC MG&G Area, and discussed the Veterans Day Parade with Gen, who promised full support including sponsoring 1000 breakfast for the Tri-Services Veterans, spouses and Veer Naris. AOC MAO agreed to provide 1000 water-bottles. NCC Dir was kind enough to provide 25 NCC cadets. Cmde (SCC) Rabi Ahuja, akin to earlier Parades, was very gracious to extend the 36 cadets Band to lead the Veterans Parade. Col Anurag Awashi and Mr Sandeep Unnithan from ChakraNewz Media house in Delhi were called-in for pr-publicity. Cmde Srikant Kesnur and Mrs Suma Chacko were requested for YouTube Live of entire Parade and Felicitation ceremony in NCPA later.
When all arrangement were in place, comes a setback a week prior to the D-Day, Governor’s Office regretted as H.E. was proceeding to Gujarat, holding twin Offices. As all arrangements were in place, our CinC VAdm K Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM was requested to grace the occasion and Flag off the Parade. The Admiral gracefully consented.
THE D DAY - 11 JAN 2026
There was great fanfare at the broad roads opposite NCPA commencing 7 am as Veterans had started arriving and chatted in great bonhomie. Even as the media was setting up their Cameras, Raj went Facebook live and started interviewing Cdr Vadhera, Capt Anoop Verma, VrC, LtCdr Farokh Tarapore, Mr Sandeep Unithan, Col Anupam Awasthi (CEO ChakraNewz) and the Gallantry awardees on wheel chairs, Hon Lt Tej Singh Karayat, (from Vasai), Cdr SK Jana and Surg Cdr DK Bose. Ankit Tiwari had his Youtube team standby to film all proceedings commencing 7.30 AM, prior to CinC’s arrival at 0820 hrs. Cdr Vadhera was seen directing this Committee members in a cool manner. Cmde Srikant kesnur and Mrs Suma Chacko commenced the eloquent Commentary, interviewing Cdr Vadhera and the Senior Veterans on You-tube Live.
The Parade was set up at the start point on Marine drive at about 0800 hrs. Leading the Parade was smartly turned out platoon of SCC band playing melodious beats in unison. Behind them were the War Veterans on 4 Wheel Chairs, Nk Deep Chand (kargil War Hero), Hon Lt Tej Singh Karayat, Cdr SK Jana and Surg Cdr DK Bose, followed by CMs & Gallantry Awardees. Behind them the Veterans Day Parade Banner, and Veteran Offrs platoon of Navy, Army and Air Force, followed by the second Banner, behind which were Veteran Jawans of the three services. It was hearting to see all Flag Officers had formed up in their sparkling whites and star studded rank badges and the entire Parade had been flanked by hoards of Mumbaikars shouting Patriotic slogans. The Chief Guest VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, FOCinC (West) arrived at 0820 hrs received by President NFMC, GOC and AOC (MAO). CinC smilingly met the Veterans, Flag Officers and Gallantry Awardees on wheel chairs and walked to the immediate squad behind, all platoons at the rear and the SCC band in front. Cmde Kesnur took a short Byte from CinC followed by TV media personnel requesting him for a brief Live msg for their TVs. LtCdr Farokh hailed the marching orders in his commanding voice, as the CinC, GOC and AOC lowered Flag November and flagged off the Parade. The CinC marched almost a km before his departure. CinC during departed got captured in Meena’s Camera for the exceptional reels for posterity.
The Parade continued for about 2 kms along Marine Drive, with Civil crowd continuously cheering up the Veterans. After 2 Kms march the Parade wheeled back around a tree to return to the start point where it culminated with great fanfare. The general public very jovially kept cheering the Veterans clicking on their personal mobiles.
All Veterans and Veer Naris then moved inside The NCPA Auditorium for the felicitation ceremony.
NCPA FELICITATION CEREMONY
The NCPA auditorium was almost half full with about 500 participants of the Veterans Day Parade. Cdr Raj Dutta took to stage and welcomed all present to the Veterans Day felicitation ceremony. A two mins Silence was observed as the last post was played in honour of the Martyrs of our Wars. He then invited Cdr Vijay Vahera NM(G), President NFMC to address the gathering. Cdr Vadhera brought out the genesis of Veterans Day that is being observed the World over since 1919 as a mark of respect to Martyrs of WW-I, in the form of Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day. How he conceptualized Veterans Day Parade taking a cue from ANZAC Day, when he was in Australia in 2019. That year he planned the big event and eventually organized and conducted the First ever Veterans Day Parade on 12 Jan 2020 at the Marine Drive (Blog below). For the next 2 years the Parade had been planned, but got cancelled due to the Pandemic. The next three Parades in 2023, 2024 and 2025 had been a great Success, albeit NFMC’s ultimate Aim is to make the Veterans Day Parade Pan-India, in various cities on a Sunday morning prior to 14 Jan, simultaneously being beamed live on various TV channels. Hopefully it may materialize soon. He thanked all the organisations, who came together to pool in resources to make the 5th Veterans Day Parade a grand success.
Raj then announced and requested President NFMC to felicitate the following with NFMC memento of the Golden Sail Boat.
A) Cdr Anoop Verma, VrC, (Retd).In July 1987, then Lt Anoop Verma was part of Indian Peacekeeping Force deployed in Sri Lanka. He was awarded VIR CHAKRA, for his daring act of of destruction of 14 LTTE speed boats at Jaffna Lagoon areaand alo the take over of the Jaffna township along with the Indian Army.
B) Mr Sandeep Unnithan –Editor-in-Chief of CHAKRA NEWZ
C) Col Anurag Awashi (Retd).– CEO, Escape Velocity Media Works
D) WgCdr SS Krishnamurthy – Helicopter Pilot and1971 War hero who was present at the surrender ceremony in Dhaka on 16 Dec 1971. His son Cdr Nikhil is the Command PRO in WNC.
E) Cmde Srikant Kesnur,VSM and Mrs Sumi W/O our Committee member Cdr Tony Chacko who beautifully broadcast our Parade on YouTube Live.
F) Mrs Meena Dutta, NFMC Photographer, w/o our Hon Secy Capt Raj Dutta, who captured the full parade on Video.
G) Sandeep Gupta,POELP(Retd). He exemplifies the rare combination of a Proud Soldier,mentor for aspiring children & Nation builder, in shaping thousands of young aspirants into joining NDA & Other Defence academies.
H) Ramesh JS Chandra,MCELR(Retd). Another Proud Submariner who has been the force behind getting all Rotarians to attend the Parade.
I) Marcos PO Harish Chandra Chaube , Safety & Disaster Management Officer who has been very active in all Disaster Management in Mumbai.
J) Sgt Sampat Nana Patil (Retd) from Nashik, who is the Founder & CEO of TIRANGA BHARAT FACILITY
K) Dr Archana Deshmukh – President of RASHTRIYA SAINIK SANTHAN who has always been taking part in our Parade.
L) District Rotary Governor Rotarian Mr Manish Motwani.
M) President Rotary Club of Bombay Pier Rotarian Mrs Noopar Desai.
N) President Rotary Club of Malabar Hill Rotarian Sunil Talwar.
President NFMC Took this opportunity to present a memento and letter sent by NHQ, to felicitate our youngest Octogenarian Cdr SK Jana (Retd) who turned 80 on 10 Jan 2026.
Raj then acknowledged the contribution of SCC and NCC cadets with a big round of applause and requested everyone to rise for the National Anthem that was sung with great patriotic fervour. All were requested to proceed for a sumptuous Breakfast, at the foyers outside, drawing curtains to the most important Veterans event of the Year. At the Foyer Deepak from Chakra-Newz interviewed the Veterans for media publicity of this grand event.
Dosto, Shaheedon ki chittaon par har baras lagenge mele,
Watan pat mitne walon ka yehi aakhri Nisan hoga.
Looking forward to the Next Veterans Day Parade on Sun 10 Jan 2027, same time, same place. Until then…
It was the Fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade conducted by NFMC, assisted by various agencies and the Nation to look up to.
My concluding lines: *Outstanding events are an outcome of the outstanding efforts of an outstanding person leading his team in an innovative way....NFMC is blessed by Cdr Vijay Vadhera, NM(G) at the helm ....Respects and Regards....Cdr Raj Dutta, Hon Secy NFMC.
Sam No Varunah,
Jai Hind
(PS - Grateful to Mrs Meena Dutta for the prized photos and Video editing.)
PHOTOS
No comments:
Post a Comment