The Indian Army will hold a large ex-servicemen rally at the Somnath grounds of the Kumaon Regimental Centre in Ranikhet on September 28. The event is being organised by Central Command to recognise the contribution of veterans and war widows while also providing welfare support and services under one roof.
Our correspondent reports that the rally will begin at 9:00 am and is expected to draw hundreds of retired personnel from across Uttarakhand. Families of veterans and widows of fallen soldiers have also been invited. The Army has announced that the event will feature dedicated help desks for pensions, healthcare, documentation, rehabilitation and employment opportunities.
The Kumaon Regimental Centre has said the rally is not only a ceremonial occasion but also a platform for practical support. Veterans will have access to medical check-ups, on-the-spot pension advice, and stalls providing information about government and defence welfare schemes. Employment and resettlement options for those wishing to take up civilian work after military service will also be highlighted.
Our correspondent adds that war widows will be especially honoured at the event. A segment of the programme has been set aside to recognise their sacrifices and to ensure that their grievances, if any, are promptly addressed. Officials have stressed that welfare outreach for widows remains a central part of the Army’s commitment to its extended family.
The rally is part of a wider engagement campaign across the region. Recently, a smaller gathering was held in Chaukhutiya in Almora district, organised under the Garud Division. That event provided assistance with documentation and medical benefits. Defence officials have indicated that the Ranikhet rally builds on those efforts with a larger, more comprehensive agenda.
Our correspondent reports that preparations for the event are being coordinated between Army authorities and the local administration. Traffic arrangements, crowd management and security protocols are already in place to accommodate the expected large turnout. District officials have assured cooperation to make the event smooth and dignified.
Our correspondent adds that ex-servicemen organisations in the Kumaon region have welcomed the initiative. Many veterans have voiced concerns in recent years about delays in pension settlements, limited awareness of welfare schemes, and the need for stronger rehabilitation opportunities. They believe the rally will give them a rare chance to voice these issues directly to senior officers and welfare officials.
The event also holds symbolic significance for the Kumaon Regiment, which has a long history of service and sacrifice. By hosting the rally in Almora, the Army seeks to acknowledge the region’s deep connection with military tradition and to reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of retired personnel.
Officials have encouraged veterans from all districts of Uttarakhand to attend. The event will also provide a forum for dialogue among serving officers, retired personnel and family members, enabling them to share experiences and strengthen the sense of community within the defence fraternity.
The rally will thus combine ceremony with substance, honouring service while addressing practical needs. For many veterans and families, it will represent both recognition and reassurance that their voices continue to matter long after active duty has ended.
