VP Radhakrishnan Backs Veterans’ Welfare in Jharkhand
C. P. Radhakrishnan visits Deoghar’s Sainya Sampark Mela, calls for sustained support for ex-servicemen and Veer Naris
GG News Bureau
Deoghar, 10th Oct: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited the Sainya Sampark Mela – Sadaiv Aapke Saath in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and called for continued national commitment to the welfare of military veterans, Veer Naris and their families.
Organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Deoghar District Administration, the event brought together welfare agencies and service providers to offer pension assistance, medical facilities, documentation support and grievance redressal to ex-servicemen and their dependents across the Santhal Pargana region.
Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan paid tribute to veterans for their service and sacrifice, describing their experience as a valuable resource for nation-building. He also acknowledged the role of military families, particularly Veer Naris, who share the responsibilities and hardships associated with service in the armed forces.
“Our soldiers have always stood with the nation, and we must always stand with them and their families,” the Vice-President said, stressing that the sacrifices of service personnel and their families must never be forgotten.
Jharkhand’s Legacy of Service
Recalling his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, Radhakrishnan highlighted the state’s longstanding tradition of patriotism and national service. He paid tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka and remembered tribal freedom fighters Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu and Kanhu, and Nilambar and Pitambar.
He said the legacy of sacrifice and service continued to inspire generations in the state.
Focus on Pension and Welfare Services
The Vice-President referred to the implementation of One Rank, One Pension under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted welfare initiatives for veterans and Veer Naris.
Appreciating the Mela’s single-window system, he noted that bringing pension-related assistance, healthcare, documentation and grievance redressal together at one venue could make essential services more accessible to beneficiaries.
He also emphasised coordination among the Armed Forces, civil administration, financial institutions, healthcare providers and welfare agencies, saying that the theme Sadaiv Aapke Saath—Always with You—should represent a continuing commitment to veterans and their families.
Medical Camps and Military Displays
During the visit, Radhakrishnan toured stalls showcasing weapons and military equipment, disaster relief facilities, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme services, medical screening, blood donation camps, women’s health awareness initiatives, NCC activities and pension services.
He also interacted with veterans, beneficiaries and other visitors to the Mela.
The Vice-President congratulated the Indian Army and Deoghar District Administration for organising the initiative and appreciated the contribution of Member of Parliament Dr. Nishikant Dubey. He also acknowledged the participating institutions and agencies involved in providing welfare services.
The event was attended by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, MPs Dr. Nishikant Dubey and Aditya Sahu, senior Army officers, civil administration officials, veterans, Veer Naris and their families.
