Retirement From Uniform Is Not Retirement From National Service: Governor Shukla
The declaration appeals for a National Veterans Policy 2047: Reports
HYDERABAD: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called on citizens, particularly the youth, to balance their rights with duties and channel their energy towards nation-building, while stressing that military service does not end with retirement.
Addressing the 19th National Convention of the Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Secunderabad, Shukla said retirement from the uniform did not mean retirement from national service and stressed that the experience, discipline and leadership of ex-servicemen continued to be valuable for nation-building. He paid tribute to serving personnel and the families of martyrs for their sacrifices.
The convention, themed “Viksit Bharat 2047: Role of Veterans and Patriotic Citizens,” brought together around 100 delegates from across India, including state office-bearers, Mahila Wing representatives, parents of fallen soldiers and Veer Naris, besides veterans, serving officers, educators and citizens. Shukla presented Utkrishta Deshbhakti Medals to five persons for their contributions.
Delegates adopted the Hyderabad Declaration, a 10-point agenda covering self-reliance, security and preparedness, youth mentoring through the “One Veteran–Ten Youth” mission, women’s participation, last-mile social justice, fitness, environmental responsibility, disaster resilience and heritage preservation. It also proposes a voluntary Veteran National Emergency Reserve.
The declaration appeals for a National Veterans Policy 2047, structured around veteran welfare, empowerment and nation-building, along with a National Veteran Digital Gateway, Talent Bank and National Service Programme. It also seeks stronger coordination between the government and recognised veteran organisations.
The Telangana unit presented its public-service initiatives, including free medical camps and medicine distribution, eye check-ups, motivational lectures, adventure activities, Kargil Vijay Diwas and Independence Day observances, schoolchildren’s bicycle rallies and visits to Paramvir Chakra Park.
Governor Shukla recalled the integration of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union and the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Indian Army. He called for greater coordination among research institutions, the armed forces and defence industry to strengthen indigenous defence technology and support Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The convention discussed youth mentoring, character-building, skilling and entrepreneurship, national security and civil-defence awareness, cyber preparedness, Swadeshi and local enterprise, Nari Shakti, community health, fitness, disaster response, environmental responsibility and preservation of military and cultural heritage.
