INDIA. Mumbai: A large number of veterans of the Armed Forces participated in the second edition of the parade organised from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) to Marine Drive in South Mumbai and back on Sunday, January 8.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari flagged off the parade from the promenade opposite NCPA, Nariman Point.
The Governor greeted the war veterans, Veer Naris, and ex-servicemen from the armed forces and walked a few steps with them as an expression of solidarity with them.
Hundreds of youth, members of the armed forces, and citizens cheered the veterans as they marched towards Marine Drive amidst the chanting of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jay.”
The parade was organised by the Navy Foundation, Mumbai Chapter, in association with the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command. It was held after a gap of two years.
Over 500 war veterans wearing their ceremonial dress with caps and medals marched from NCPA to Marine Drive and back.
War veterans, some in wheelchairs, gallantry awardees, and other retired senior officers participated in the march.
Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat Area Lt. Gen. HS Kahlon, and President of the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter Commander Vijay Vadhera were present.
Besides, the officers and jawans of the armed forces, war veterans, ex-servicemen and their family members, and citizens were present in large numbers.
According to the Navy Foundation, the objective of celebrating Veterans Day is to foster compassion, empathy, and respect for the veterans among the people.
It is a unique initiative of the Indian Defense Services to acknowledge and honour the selfless devotion and sacrifice of our veterans, who, even after retiring, are always in search of opportunities to serve the nation.
According to Commander Vadhera, the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter conducted India’s first Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at Marine Drive.
It invoked a lot of interest amongst the students as well as the citizens of Mumbai when they witnessed about 500 war veterans, including Veer Naaris, coming from the distant Mumbai suburbs and proudly marching while wearing their ceremonial dress and medals.
The parade could not be held due to COVID in 2021 and 2022. However, this year there was a renewed enthusiasm among the participants and spectators.
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