**Executive Summary**
The 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day was celebrated at INS Gomantak, Vasco Da Gama, Goa, on January 14, 2026. The event honored veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice to the nation. Shri Shripad Y Naik, Honorable Minister of State for Power, and New and Renewable Energy, was the Chief Guest for the event.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Details:**
* Celebration of the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day.
* Location: INS Gomantak, Vasco Da Gama, Goa.
* Date: January 14, 2026.
* Chief Guest: Shri Shripad Y Naik.
* **Purpose:**
* To honour veterans for their courage, discipline, and selfless devotion.
* To acknowledge the unwavering support and sacrifices of veterans' families.
* To pay tribute to the courage, dedication and selfless service of veterans.
* **Event Activities:**
* Wreath-laying ceremony at INS Gomantak War Memorial to honor fallen soldiers.
* Veterans Rally with felicitation of gallantry award winners, veer naaris, veer maatas, and veteran associations.
* Stalls set up to address Veteran Affairs, Job Placement, Re-Settlement issues, Pension and Entitlement, ECHS, CSD, and Banking.
* **Attendees:**
* Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus, Flag Officer Commanding, Goa Naval Area.
* Senior officers.
* Senior veterans from all three services.
* More than 250 veterans including gallantry award winners, veer naaris, veer maatas, octogenarians.
* **Significance:**
* Marks the historic occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa's retirement.
* Recognizes veterans' service in safeguarding the nation.
**Impact Analysis**
**Veterans and Their Families**
* **Impact:** Honored and recognized for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation's security. They can benefit from the support services offered through the various stalls set up.
* **Action Required:** Veterans and their families can attend the event and access the various services and support systems available.
**Ministry of Defence**
* **Impact:** The event serves to enhance the Ministry's relationship with veterans and demonstrate its commitment to their well-being.
* **Action Required:** The Ministry organized and supported the event to ensure its success in honoring and assisting veterans.
Key Entities Referenced
Defence Forces Veterans' Day: A day of tribute and recognition to veterans who served the nation, commemorating the retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa.
Ministry of Defence: The central authority organizing and responsible for the Defence Forces Veterans' Day event.
Goa: The location where the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day celebration was held.
INS Gomantak: Naval base in Goa; location of the Defence Forces Veterans Day celebration and war memorial wreath laying ceremony.
Ministry of Defence
10th Defence Forces Veterans Day celebrated in
Goa
प्रव तथ: 14 JAN 2026 10:01PM by PIB Mumbai
Goa : 14 January 2026
The 10th edition of Defence Forces Veterans Day was celebrated at INS Gomantak, Vasco Da Gama, Goa,
today, 14 January, to honour the brave soldiers who have worn the uniform with unmatched courage,
discipline and selfless devotion. Shri Shripad Y Naik, Honorable Minister of State for Power, and New
and Renewable Energy, was the Chief Guest for the event.Marking the occasion, a wreath laying ceremony was held at INS Gomantak War Memorial to honour the
courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of fallen soldiers, who laid their life for the nation. In addition, a
Veterans Rally was organised wherein felicitation of gallantry award winners, veer naaris, veer maatas,
veteran associations were undertaken. Various stalls were also setup to address the issues pertaining to
Veteran Affairs, Job Placement, Re-Settlement issues, Pension and Entitlement, ECHS, CSD, and
Banking.
The event was attended by Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus, Flag Officer Commanding, Goa Naval Area,
and several dignitaries, including senior officers, senior veterans from all three services. More than 250
veterans including gallantry award winners, veer naaris, veer maatas, octogenarians participated in the
event.
Defence Forces Veterans’ Day serves as a tribute to the courage, dedication and selfless service of veterans
who have safeguarded the sovereignty and integrity of the nation across land, sea and air. The day marks
the historic occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian
Army post Independence, retired after distinguished service to the nation. It also acknowledges the
unwavering support and sacrifices made by veterans’ families.
PIB Panaji | Riyas Babu / Priti Malandkar
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