CM Yogi in Meerut: "A Soldier Never Retires, Uniforms Change"
In a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of India’s armed forces, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a massive Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony at the Kulwant Singh Stadium in Meerut Cantonment. Surrounded by military commanders, veterans, Veer Naris (brave women/widows), and thousands of military families, the Chief Minister emphasized that a soldier’s commitment to the nation is an eternal pledge that outlives active service.
Organized by the Indian Army’s Central Command, the mega event served as a platform to honor the families who anchor the nation's defense forces while reflecting on Uttar Pradesh's historic and ongoing contributions to national security.
Reflecting on Past Injustices: Restoring Dignity to Those Who Serve
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Adityanath drew a sharp contrast between the current political climate and the treatment of veterans under previous administrations. He recalled painful historical instances that underscored past governmental apathy toward the armed forces—referencing the 2016 assault on Kargil War veteran Ganesh Kumar Shukla, the lack of administrative arrangements during the 2013 funeral of martyred Lance Naik Hemraj Singh, and the tragic 2015 murder of Lance Naik Vedmitra Chaudhary in Meerut.
"There was a time when brave soldiers and their families had to struggle for basic honor, safety, and due recognition. Questions were raised about military operations, and political indifference eroded the dignity of those guarding our borders," CM Yogi stated.
He contrasted this with the paradigm shift witnessed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Today, "New India" places national security and the welfare of its defense personnel at the absolute apex of governance, ensuring zero tolerance for threats and extending unmatched institutional respect to veterans.
Uttar Pradesh: A Land of Warriors and Pillar of National Defense
Highlighting the profound demographic connection between Uttar Pradesh and the Indian military, the Chief Minister noted that out of the roughly 60,000 soldiers who retire annually across India, 10,000 to 12,000 hail from Uttar Pradesh. The state is home to a massive veteran and military family network comprising nearly 20 million individuals.
Uttar Pradesh’s soil has birthed legendary heroes, including Naik Jadunath Singh, Param Vir Chakra recipient Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, and Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav. Furthermore, historic military nurseries like Gahmar village in Ghazipur continue to supply generations of brave soldiers to the nation. With 2,685 brave sons of UP making the supreme sacrifice and over 2,000 decorated with gallantry medals, the state’s bloodline remains deeply intertwined with the nation's flag.
From Crime Hub to Growth Engine: The Transformation of Meerut
Turning his focus to regional development, CM Yogi highlighted the dramatic turnaround of Meerut from a district previously plagued by organized crime, extortion, and systemic neglect into a thriving industrial and connectivity powerhouse.
Recalling the era of rampant vehicle thefts, mafia dominance, locked-down sugar mills, and farmer distress, the Chief Minister contrasted it with today's reality:
Industrial Revitalization: Meerut’s traditional sports equipment industry has achieved global recognition under the state's One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative.
Agricultural Prosperity: Sugarcane farmers are receiving record timely payments, alongside uninterrupted electricity and canal irrigation for their fields.
World-Class Connectivity: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted the region monumental transit upgrades, including the Namo Bharat RRTS Corridor, the Meerut Metro, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and the upcoming Ganga Expressway connecting Meerut directly to Prayagraj.
Educational Milestones: Fulfilling a long-standing aspiration, the state’s first sports university—named after hockey legend and military icon Major Dhyan Chand—is rapidly taking shape in Meerut to nurture international athletic talent.
Strengthening State Support for Veterans and Youth
Reiterating the state’s commitment to the armed forces, the Chief Minister pointed out that the double-engine government has implemented robust welfare frameworks. These include enhanced ex-gratia compensation of ₹50 lakh for martyr families, guaranteed government jobs for dependents, dedicated reservation quotas for Agniveers in the UP Police and Group 'B' posts, and active employment placement for over 31,700 ex-servicemen.
Concluding the historic convention, CM Yogi called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the armed forces, noting that India's vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) over the next 25 years depends on civic duty, national discipline, and the enduring ethos of patriotism championed by our soldiers.
