INDIA’S Armed Forces have displayed courage in times of conflict and compassion to support its citizens, and the ex-servicemen community has been a source of motivation for them, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday. In a message on the occasion of Veterans Day, General Rawat said the Armed Forces continue to seek guidance of the ex-servicemen who had set high standards for the military to emulate.

 

“Veterans have been our strength and source of our motivation. Armed Forces have displayed courage in times of conflict and compassion to support the people of our nation. These are the virtues ingrained in us by our veterans who have set high standards for us to emulate,” the Chief of Defence Staff said. “On the occasion of Veterans’ Day, I and all ranks of the Armed Forces convey felicitations and best wishes to you and to your families. We continue to seek. Your guidance because the righteous path that you have carved for us will set the course of our future,” he said. Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane too greeted the ex-servicemen on the occasion.

 

“Wish you all the best. All of you ex-servicemen are the inspiration for the country. The whole country is proud of you,” he said. Naravane on Thursday said 2020 had been very challenging for the country and the Armed Forces bravely stayed at the northern borders while also battling the coronavirus pandemic efficiently. He was apparently referring to border standoff with China. “Last year had been very challenging for our nation and the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces bravely stayed at the northern borders while also battling the pandemic efficiently. I am proud that we had the support of our veterans in carrying this out,” Gen Naravane said while speaking at the Armed Forces Veterans Day meet. The Army chief also said 2021 will be celebrated as ‘Golden Victory Year’ to mark the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war victory.