Chennai: In a moving tribute to continued service beyond the call of duty, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi presented the ‘Veteran Achievers Award’ to four distinguished ex-servicemen in Chennai. The awards acknowledged their exceptional post-retirement contributions to the welfare of veterans, Veer Naris, youth empowerment, and nation-building.
The recognition forms part of the Indian Army’s broader initiative to honour selfless service rendered even after active duty, reinforcing the enduring spirit of commitment among the armed forces fraternity.
Colonel Krishnaswami A (Retd): Championing Veteran Welfare Across Services
Colonel Krishnaswami A (Retd), founder of the Armed Forces Veteran Officers Association in Chennai, was awarded for his relentless dedication to the well-being of ex-servicemen from all three services. Through sustained engagement with multiple agencies, he has been a vital force in resolving pension, resettlement, and grievance issues for veterans in the region.
His advocacy work has established new channels of communication between veterans and government institutions, ensuring that the voices of former servicemen continue to be heard and addressed.
Captain Tamil Selvan D (Retd): Healing Hands Beyond the Uniform
Captain Tamil Selvan D (Retd) was honoured for his continued service in the medical field. A specialist in General Surgery and Urology, he has worked tirelessly within the Tamil Nadu state government’s medical services and at the Military Hospital, Chennai.
His contributions extend beyond patient care, mentoring young specialists in advanced surgical procedures, he remains an invaluable resource to the medical and military communities alike.
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Subedar Major & Honorary Lieutenant S Sugumar (Retd): Enabling Access to Entitlements
With a record of service that extends far beyond retirement, Subedar Major and Honorary Lieutenant S Sugumar (Retd) has played a transformative role in veteran welfare. He has personally facilitated claims worth over ₹50 crore for more than 2,000 ex-servicemen and widows.
Currently offering voluntary assistance at the ECHS Polyclinic in Madurai, his dedication has provided crucial support to families navigating complex pension and healthcare systems.
Havildar A Rajendran (Retd): Building Future Soldiers from the Ground Up
Recognised for grassroots youth empowerment, Havildar A Rajendran (Retd) has established the Seyon Educational and Charitable Trust. The organisation offers free training for local youth aspiring to join the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and state police forces.
Going a step further, the trust also provides free accommodation, ensuring equitable access to preparation resources for underprivileged candidates.
A Salute to Service That Never Ends
The Veteran Achievers Award not only honours past military excellence but celebrates ongoing commitment to nation-building. Each awardee exemplifies the ethos of service in uniform—and far beyond it.
Their selfless initiatives underscore the Indian Army’s belief that retirement does not mark the end of duty, but rather a new beginning in service of society.
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