The Embassy of India in Riyadh commemorated Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, honoring the country’s Veer Yodhas—veterans of the Indian Armed Forces—for their dedicated service, extraordinary sacrifices, and enduring contributions to nation-building. The event brought together veterans, their families, members of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, and students from Indian schools in the Kingdom.

The ceremony was presided over by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, who emphasized the invaluable role of India’s veteran community both at home and internationally. In his address, Ambassador Khan highlighted the continued relevance and strength of veterans in fostering national pride and social cohesion. He also lauded the contributions of Indian contingents in UN peacekeeping missions, noting their role in projecting India’s commitment to global peace and stability.

Veterans in attendance shared heartfelt recollections of their experiences in the Armed Forces, reflecting on the discipline, camaraderie, and challenges they encountered during their service. Their personal anecdotes offered insights into both the rigors and rewards of military life, providing the younger generation with a deeper understanding of what it means to serve the nation.

The program also featured patriotic cultural performances by students from Indian schools in Riyadh. Through songs, dances, and a specially staged skit, the students depicted the courage, dedication, and values upheld by the Indian Armed Forces. These performances served as a vibrant and moving tribute, connecting India’s military legacy with the younger generation of Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia.

As part of the celebrations, Ambassador Khan presented commemorative gifts and copies of the latest Samman magazine to the veterans, acknowledging their distinguished service and lifelong commitment to India. The gesture underscored the Embassy’s effort to honor the veterans’ sacrifices and to strengthen ties within the Indian community abroad.

In tandem with the main event, Ambassador Khan inaugurated a photo exhibition on the “Human Cost of Terrorism.”The exhibition highlighted the often unseen impact of terrorism on individuals and communities, emphasizing the human suffering caused by such acts. It also showcased India’s proactive measures to combat terrorism, underlining the nation’s commitment to protecting its citizens and promoting regional and global security.

The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebrations in Riyadh exemplified India’s respect for its military veterans and demonstrated the Embassy’s commitment to engaging the diaspora community in meaningful initiatives that reflect national values. By combining tributes with educational and cultural elements, the event successfully highlighted both the sacrifices of India’s veterans and the enduring legacy of the Armed Forces in shaping the nation’s identity.

The event strengthened bonds within the Indian community in Saudi Arabia and reinforced awareness among students and younger participants about the values of courage, duty, and patriotism that define service in the Armed Forces. It also provided a platform for the veterans to share their stories, inspiring future generations to appreciate and uphold the ideals of service and sacrifice.

Through this commemoration, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh not only paid homage to its veterans but also promoted awareness about the global impact of terrorism, encouraging dialogue and reflection on India’s role in addressing security challenges internationally.

The ceremony stood as a reminder of the enduring legacy of India’s armed forces and their veterans, celebrating their contributions to the nation while fostering community engagement and cultural exchange among Indians living abroad.

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