As the nation strides forward, the contributions of military veterans, the stalwarts of yesteryears, emerge as a crucial force in shaping its future.
The Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO), summit in New Delhi on Wednesday (May 8, 2024) convened to bridge the gap between industry demands and veteran competencies showcased the vast potential of this community.
In his opening address at the summit, Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said: “Just as the contribution of the armed forces in ensuring that the nation’s security is not impacted in any way, so that its progress continues unabated, is important, the veterans, who were soldiers of yesterday, have great potential and scope to be part of this effort, in myriad ways.”
“The distinct USP that a soldier acquires, are built on the edifice of Indian Army’s core ethos of ‘Naam, Namak aur Nishan’, which embody identity & honour of the organisation, loyalty & indebtedness to the organisation and respect & pride in the organisation’s ensign. I can say with confidence, that the veterans would be catalysts in infusing these values to the work culture of your organisations, as well.”
With each passing year, a pool of skilled and experienced veterans exits active service, presenting a golden opportunity for integration into various sectors. The summit witnessed the convergence of corporate heads, government officials, and representatives from diverse sectors, underscoring the collective endeavor to leverage veteran talent.
According to the Army Chief the distinctive qualities ingrained in soldiers—founded upon the ethos of ‘Naam, Namak aur Nishan’—hold the promise of enriching organizational cultures across sectors.
Moreover, initiatives like Project KAUSHALVEER, aimed at certifying veterans’ skill sets aligned with industry standards, serve as benchmarks for excellence.
In his address the chief stated that international recognition further underscores the value of hiring veterans, not merely as an act of patriotism but as a strategic business move. Their unparalleled field experience and insights into operational dynamics make them invaluable assets, particularly in sectors like defense manufacturing, where their contributions can drive indigenous innovation.
However, according to Gen Pande, the potential of veterans extends beyond defense manufacturing to encompass a spectrum of domains including entrepreneurship, HR consultancy, mentorship, and crisis management. The summit also accentuated the imperative of integrating Veer Naris, epitomes of resilience and determination, into mainstream professional avenues.
Institutionalizing support systems and creating robust policy frameworks are pivotal in harnessing the full potential of this formidable community. “By recognizing and nurturing the ethos of ‘भूतपूर्व सैनिक, अभूतपूर्व योगदान’, India can ensure that the legacy of service transcends military life, becoming a cornerstone of nation-building and progress,” said the Chief.
An effective Defence – Industry Ecosystem is taking shape in the country. “The veterans, with their field experience and insights into operational conditions, functional requirements and logistics of the systems and weapon platforms, are ideally suited for incorporation into indigenous research, development, innovation and manufacturing of technological solutions required by the Indian Army,” he said.
