Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 13 (ANI): Assam Governor Lakshman Acharya praised the dedication and sacrifices of India's armed forces at the Veterans Swabhiman Rally 2025 and said that those who moved forward with the resolve to sacrifice everything for the country and society deserve our most profound respect.

Addressing the gathering at the Narangi Military Station in Guwahati on Sunday, Governor Acharya said, 'This is a very sacred event. Gratitude is part of our culture. Those who moved forward with the resolve to sacrifice everything for the country and society deserve our deepest respect. Bringing them all together, expressing gratitude to them, understanding their needs, and fulfilling them is a tremendous feat.'

Furthermore, Governor Acharya saluted the 'spirit of all soldiers and ex-servicemen' present in large numbers.

He also praised the Indian Army for organising the event, which featured multiple initiatives centred on veterans' welfare, self-reliance, and health awareness. 'I am pleased that the Indian Army has organised various events focused on their well-being, self-reliance, and overall health,' he said.

Meanwhile, organised under the aegis of Headquarters 51 Sub Area, the rally was a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of India's armed forces veterans, while also reaffirming the nation's solidarity with the families of fallen heroes, a press release stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Acharya described the event as a moment of pride and reflection. He praised the spirit of the soldiers who have served the nation selflessly across generations. The Governor observed that a soldier never truly retires but instead begins a new journey from defending the nation to contributing towards nation-building.

He further emphasised that honouring those who defend the country is not merely a responsibility but a part of India's cultural ethos.

During his address, the Governor outlined various landmark welfare initiatives undertaken by the government for veterans and their families. He cited schemes such as the One Rank One Pension (OROP), the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme, and a host of programmes aimed at promoting skill development and supporting self-employment among ex-servicemen.

He also acknowledged Assam's leadership in ex-servicemen welfare, noting the state's provision of a two per cent job reservation for ex-servicemen in Grade I and II government posts, the increase in medical college seats for veterans' children from three to nine, and the effective implementation of welfare policies through the State Managing Committee of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare.

Governor Acharya further highlighted Raj Bhavan Assam's own initiative, namely 'Rajyapal Assam Rashtriya Kritagyata Aur Jagrookta Yojana', which seeks to bring the inspiring stories of veterans into schools and colleges across the state, instilling in the younger generation a sense of national pride and gratitude.

The Governor, on the occasion, also congratulated the Rajyik Sainik Board, Assam, for receiving a national award from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in recognition of its outstanding contributions to veteran welfare. (ANI)