Army Chief General Dwivedi Honours 5 Veterans For Outstanding Service Beyond Uniform
General Upendra Dwivedi felicitated 5 distinguished Veterans for their notable contributions to nation-building, social welfare. Image courtesy: X.com/@adgpi
In a strong reaffirmation of the Army’s commitment to its retired personnel, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday (December 12, 2025) honoured five distinguished veterans with the ‘Veteran Achievers Award’. The award recognises exceptional post-retirement contributions in nation-building, welfare work and youth empowerment.
Honouring service beyond the uniform, Army chief General Dwivedi presented the Veteran Achievers Award to Col Sampath Gopalan (Retd)¸ Col Pramod J Ninan (Retd), Hav Tushar Kharat (Retd), Hav Pradeep Kumar (Retd), and Hav Manohar Patole (Retd) for “their notable contributions to nation-building, social welfare and youth development.”
Who are the veterans recognised by the Army?
Mentor for Army aspirants – Col Gopalan (Retd) is the Founder of Bhavishya Group of Institutions. He has mentored 4,000+ aspirants, with over 200 joining the Armed Forces.
Defence analyst – The second veteran who was felicitated by the Army chief is Col Ninan (Retd), who is an academician, defence analyst and an author. He actively advances educational initiatives for Defence families and the tribal youth.
The motivator on the ground – Hav Kharat (Retd) is engaged in community welfare, rural training and youth motivation. He has served as Police Mitra and a COVID-19 volunteer during the pandemic.
Voice for welfare and health issues – COAS General Dwivedi also awarded Hav Kumar (Retd), a veteran fraternity leader, Nashik–Devlali. He has played an instrumental in resolving key welfare and healthcare concerns.
Support for cancer victims – Hav Patole (Retd) has been honoured with the Veteran Achievers Award for his support to over over 300 ex-servicemen cancer patients at HCG Manavata Hospital with dedicated care.
The latest series of awards comes just around two days after COAS General Dwivedi honoured distinguished veterans with the ‘Veteran Achievers Award’ during his visit to Mhow. He awarded Wing Commander DP Tiwari (Retd), Colonel Raj Kumar (Retd), Colonel Pradeep Singh (Retd), Subedar (Clerk) AK Sisodia (Retd), Naib Subedar Kamal Kishore Soni (Retd).
“The Indian Army remains deeply committed to honouring its veterans and salutes their continued service, dedication and unwavering commitment to the Nation,” the army said.
